District Court March 31 - Part II

The Tenth Judicial District Court convened on Tuesday, March 31, with Judge Thomas Stockard presiding.

Jeremy Shawne Dixon, in custody, admitted to a Non-Technical Probation Violation of absconding. In February 2016, Dixon received a suspended sentence for one year to allow him to make monthly child support payments; however, by July, the state requested the sentencing date be moved up as he had not complied, resulting in a bench warrant for his arrest. In April 2024, a status hearing was held, and a PSI was ordered. In June 2024, Dixon received a suspended sentence of 24 – 60 months in prison and was ordered to make monthly support payments of $407.

Senior DA Chelsea Sanford told the court the last payment the Child Support Division received from Dixon was $407 in August 2024. She said Dixon now owes $64,659.64 in back child support. Sanford asked for revocation of probation and imposition of the underlying sentence based on his actions after sentencing, his failure to pay, and for absconding.

CCPD Jacob Sommer said that his client understands the gravity of not complying with the court’s orders and knows he is going to prison. Sommer noted that Dixon has not had stable housing or employment for several years and asked that he be allowed to attend the Salvation Army Program, although he does not yet have a bed date.

Dixon told Judge Stockard it has been a struggle; he has been homeless and unemployed for so long. “I don’t even know how to go about it, how to get a job anymore,” he said, adding that he feels the Salvation Army program would help him a great deal.

Judge Stockard revoked Dixon’s probation and imposed the underlying sentence of 24 -60 months in prison. Dixon was remanded to the custody of the sheriff for imposition of the sentence.

Anthony Wayne Baltazar appeared for sentencing on Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), to which he pleaded guilty in January. Court Services noted that in his 277 days under supervision, Baltazar had 54 negative tests.

Deputy District Attorney (DDA) Priscilla Baker said the defendant had been provisionally placed into the Western Regional Drug Court program. She asked for the maximum sentence and that Baltazar be officially placed in Drug Court and on probation. Baker said, “We hope … that this defendant will take this opportunity and change his life. We want to make sure he has that encouragement.”

CCPD Sommer agreed with the state’s recommendation. He noted his client has been doing well in Drug Court and said, “I’m encouraged and can't wait to see what he can do with the rest of the time there.”

Baltazar told the court it was a lot of work, but agreed it was worth it.

Judge Stockard told Baltazar, “Your performance while on Court Services has been excellent.”

Baltazar received a suspended sentence of 12 – 48 months in prison and was placed on probation with the condition that he enter and successfully complete the Western Regional Drug Court Program.

Justin Poindexter’s hearing was continued to April 21.

March 24 Calendar – Not included in last week’s edition: 

James Donald Doutre, in custody, pleaded guilty to the Category E Felony of Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), a first or second offense punishable by 1–4 years in prison and a fine up to $5,000.

After reviewing Doutre’s criminal history and noting that it largely consists of substance abuse-related offenses, Judge Stockard provisionally placed Doutre into the Western Nevada Regional Specialty Court program with the condition of daily check-ins with Court Services.

Judge Stockard ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI) and set sentencing for May 26.

Christopher Alan Burnside admitted to a third technical violation of the no-alcohol provision.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Lane Mills noted Burnside has repeatedly violated probation, is homeless, unemployed, has not paid $3 or $25 restitution, but continues purchasing alcohol and marijuana.

The state requested temporary probation revocation and a 90-day jail term for Burnside.

Churchill County Alternate Public Defender (APD) Wright Noel told the court the defense had no objection to the 90 days. Noel said he believes the time will be beneficial and may help his client get back on track.

Judge Stockard temporarily revoked Burnside’s probation for 90 days, cautioning that a fourth violation may result in the underlying sentence being imposed.