District Court April 14

The Tenth Judicial District Court convened on Tuesday, April 14, with Judge Thomas Stockard presiding.

Christopher John Christiano appeared for sentencing on charges of gross misdemeanor assault on an officer, punishable by up to 364 days in jail, and misdemeanor resisting, delaying, or obstructing a public officer.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford explained the incident stemmed from a 911 call made by Christiano, who reported he had murdered his wife. When law enforcement arrived, Christiano was acting aggressively and had to be tased after failing to comply with commands. Sanford said it was later determined Christiano was experiencing a severe reaction after ingesting mushrooms and had not harmed his wife.

Defense Attorney William Swafford said Christiano has no prior issues with law enforcement, helps operate his father’s trucking business, and has four daughters. He described the incident as an isolated event.

Christiano told the court the incident was “unfortunate” and “scary,” stating it could have been much worse and that he was thankful no one was harmed.

Judge Stockard granted Christiano probation on suspended sentences of 364 days and 90 days, to run concurrently.

Jacob Robert Strock pleaded guilty to charges of: (1) failure to stop on the signal of a peace officer, a Category B felony punishable by 1–6 years and a fine up to $5,000; (2) escape by a felony prisoner in lawful custody, a Category B felony punishable by 1–10 years and a fine up to $10,000; and (3) failure to stop on the signal of a peace officer while under the influence, a Category D felony punishable by 1–4 years and a fine up to $5,000.

Judge Stockard acknowledged that a plea agreement was in place and noted that Strock was not seeking probation at this time. He ordered a pre-sentencing investigation and set sentencing for June 16.

Shane Michael Krogg pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), a Category E felony punishable by 1–4 years and a fine up to $5,000.

Judge Stockard ordered a pre-sentencing investigation and set sentencing for June.

Ryan Ty Fischer failed to appear on a court services violation. Churchill County Deputy Public Defender Kenneth Tedford III told the court Fischer was hospitalized at Renown following a seizure and intended to provide documentation upon release. Tedford said Fischer had planned to admit to prior violations.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Lane Mills argued a warrant was appropriate based on Fischer’s failure to appear for testing and ongoing violations. Judge Stockard declined to issue a warrant, ordered Fischer to continue complying with court services, and left the matter set for further hearing on April 28.

Jordan Albert Mauwee Sr. appeared for sentencing on a charge of driving under the influence, third or subsequent offense, a Category B felony punishable by 1–6 years and a fine up to $5,000, to which he pleaded guilty on Feb. 10.

Lane Mills said the State did not oppose Mauwee’s participation in the DUI Diversion Program, noting his progress and compliance.

Kenneth Tedford III submitted a character letter and said Mauwee had maintained sobriety, secured employment, and was performing well in the program.

Mauwee told the court he had lost years of his life due to alcohol and was committed to sobriety and change.

Judge Stockard suspended the sentence, granted probation for 36 months, and ordered Mauwee to complete the DUI Diversion Program.

Lawrence Alvin Stone appeared on non-technical sentencing violations in three cases. Stone admitted to all three, which included absconding from probation and failing to appear for a sentencing violation hearing on Feb. 10.

Lane Mills argued Stone failed to report, absconded from supervision, and did not comply with probation or drug court requirements, requesting revocation and imposition of underlying sentences.

Attorney Wright Noel said Stone struggled with substance abuse and requested reinstatement of probation and an opportunity to complete the drug court program.

Judge Stockard revoked probation in all three cases, rescinded diversion in one case, and sentenced Stone to 12–36 months in the Nevada State Prison, with all sentences to run concurrently.

Misty Dawn Orpiada appeared on a non-technical probation violation after being removed from the Western Nevada Regional Drug Court.

Sanford argued that Orpiada failed to comply with the program, absconded shortly after being granted diversion, and did not meaningfully participate in Drug Court, requesting revocation and prison.

Deputy Public Defender Hampton Young said Orpiada had briefly participated but struggled with substance abuse and other behavioral health issues, requesting continued probation with treatment or placement in a more appropriate program.

Orpiada admitted she had absconded, said she had been caring for her ill mother, and asked for another opportunity for treatment.

Judge Stockard rescinded diversion, found her guilty of possession of a controlled substance, a Category E felony, and sentenced her to 12–36 months in prison.