Leanna Lehman
New River Township Justice Court in Fallon convened for a short calendar on Thursday, April 26, before Justice Court Judge Benjamin Trotter.
Joshua Douglas Elderton appeared for arraignment on three misdemeanor counts: Driving While License Suspended, Revoked, or Canceled; No Proof of Insurance; and Unregistered Vehicle. Each charge is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Elderton pleaded no contest to all three counts.
During sentencing, Deputy District Attorney Priscilla Baker advised the court that the defendant was previously convicted in multiple cases and had received suspended sentences conditioned on no new criminal violations. Based on the new charges, the state requested that those suspended sentences be revoked and additional time imposed.
Elderton told the court he drove because his wife called and asked him to pick her up. He made it clear he knew he shouldn’t have been driving and said there was no good excuse for it. He then added that he believed the situation was set up and said that while he was in jail, his wife took property from his home.
He requested the opportunity to obtain counsel after learning jail time was being considered; however, Judge Benjamin Trotter found the plea was entered knowingly and denied the request to withdraw it.
Judge Trotter sentenced Elderton to 180 days in jail, suspended for two years, on the condition that he does not drive without a valid license. On the remaining counts, the court imposed fines totaling $855.
The court also ordered $440 in previously suspended fines from a prior case to be reinstated. A separate prior suspended sentence of 180 days remains in effect, with the condition that Elderton complete his remaining community service hours and commit no new violations.
Judge Trotter warned Elderton that any future violations could result in more than one year of jail time being imposed consecutively.
Miles C. Miner, in custody, appeared via Zoom for an initial hearing on three gross misdemeanor counts: Unlawful Occupancy of Real Property, Indecent or Obscene Exposure, First Offense, and Destroy or Injure Real or Personal Property of Another. Each is punishable by up to 364 days in the Churchill County Jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
Miner, who was arrested on March 3, waived formal arraignment after reviewing his rights with counsel.
Churchill County Public Defender Jacob Sommer requested release on his own recognizance, noting Miner has been in custody since his arrest and has family traveling from Redding, California, to take him into their care.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford did not object, provided Miner is released to a responsible party.
Judge Benjamin Trotter granted the request and ordered Miner released on his own recognizance to the custody of a responsible party. Miner must appear for all hearings, maintain weekly contact with counsel, and check in daily with Court Services by phone.
Judge Trotter set a status hearing for May 14, 2026, with permission for Miner to appear via Zoom.
Comment
Comments