Teresa Moon
The Tenth Judicial District Court convened on Tuesday, May 12, with Judge Thomas Stockard presiding.
Kyle Johnathon Cuthill, in custody of the Nevada Department of Corrections, pleaded guilty to Category B Felony of Ownership or Possession of a Firearm by Certain Prohibited Persons.
Chief Deputy District Attorney (CDDA) Lane Mills explained that the defendant requested to move the case forward. Mills said the case involved disassembled firearm parts along with a frame. The state asked for a sentence concurrent to Cuthill’s current NDOC sentence.
Churchill County Deputy Public Defender (DPD) Kenneth Tedford III told the court his client has had significant time to reflect on the trajectory of his life and hopes to enter ministry, noting he has taken online theological classes. Tedford stated, “He has a bad past, but he has taken steps to put it behind him and leave it there.” Tedford also asked for a concurrent term of 19–48 months.
Cuthill said he has been in custody for 457 days, which is the longest he has been clean from drugs. He explained his father died in a homeless shelter, his girlfriend overdosed on fentanyl, and “I am just so done with this lifestyle.” He noted he has support from his family, has taken many courses while in prison, and “I really have given my life to the Lord.”
Judge Stockard sentenced Cuthill to a concurrent term of 19–48 months in prison and wished him well, saying, “Every Saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.”
Juan Carlos Flores pleaded guilty to Gross Misdemeanor of Conspiracy to Commit Coercion, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
The factual basis provided by Churchill County Alternate Public Defender (APD) Wright Noel indicated that Flores told the victim he wanted his game and made a gesture as though he had a gun; the victim then drew a firearm in response.
Both CDDA Mills and APD Noel noted that the victim drew the firearm in self-defense and faced charges related to the incident, and asked the court to follow the terms of the plea agreement, which called for a $2,000 fine.
Noel told the court, “Mr. Flores was intoxicated that day and started saying stupid stuff.” He added his client has a very limited criminal history and “I think this is a little blip …”
Judge Stockard imposed a $2,000 fine, which Flores paid in full at sentencing.
Carl Wayne Lee pleaded guilty to Gross Misdemeanor of Injuring or Tampering with a Vehicle, causing $250–$5,000 in damages.
CDDA Mills stated, “This case involves, essentially, this defendant’s unhappiness with his tacos from the Mendoza taco truck across the street here.” Mills said Lee was dissatisfied with his tacos and reacted improperly by ramming the victims’ vehicle with his own. The state asked Judge Stockard to follow the plea agreement and impose a suspended sentence and a $1,500 fine. Mills noted the damage was covered by insurance.
DPD Tedford told the court his client immediately “had remorse and understood what he did was wrong.” Tedford said Lee has gained employment, become a trainer for new employees, enrolled in anger-management classes, has no criminal history, and is a person who made a bad decision.
Lee told the court, “Unfortunately, I was in a dark place at the time.” He said he did not mean to hit the vehicle, adding, “My foot got stuck on the accelerator, and I lost control.” Lee said he knows he can never do that again, is extremely sorry for what happened, and has not returned to the taco truck and does not plan to do so.
Judge Stockard granted Lee probation on a suspended 60-day jail sentence, imposed a $1,500 fine with timely payments of not less than $200 per month, and ordered Lee to complete anger-management classes.
Anthony Robert Ortega failed to appear for sentencing on the Gross Misdemeanor charge of Abuse, Neglect, or Endangerment of a Child Not Causing Substantial Bodily Harm.
Judge Stockard continued the matter to May 19.
Christopher Anakin Marcellino, in custody, admitted to a technical probation violation for possession of a controlled substance, in this case, an aerosol can used for huffing.
Deputy District Attorney (DDA) Priscilla Baker reminded the court that Marcellino was granted diversion in May 2025, removed in September, later given one year in jail as a condition of probation, and released on Feb. 28, 2026. Baker stated, “This defendant has been given an opportunity at diversion,” noting he had been caught huffing several times. She said Drug Court attempted to teach him the dangers of huffing. Baker explained that in April, the defendant was found unresponsive and fled. Then again, on May 4, he was found unresponsive and, “He immediately grabbed an aerosol can and huffed right in front of law enforcement.” Baker voiced concern that “this defendant is going to kill himself.”
APD Noel said the defense did not object to a 30-day revocation of probation, stating it might be the best thing for the defendant.
Marcellino was extremely apologetic to the court.
Judge Stockard revoked Marcellino’s probation for 30 days. He commented that the defendant currently shows no signs of brain damage, which he noted is an extreme risk associated with huffing.
Ciera Elizabeth Coatney appeared for a status hearing.
Churchill County Public Defender Jacob Sommer told the court he was contacted by his client regarding travel to Oregon for four days to help her son move. Sommer said Coatney’s boyfriend would be driving. He also stated that Coatney understands her sentencing is scheduled for the end of June and that she faces at least two years in prison. Sommer said Coatney would be tested prior to leaving for Oregon and immediately upon returning to Fallon.
DDA Baker said the state has concerns about allowing Coatney to leave Nevada knowing she is facing a prison sentence shortly thereafter.
Judge Stockard allowed Coatney to travel to Oregon with drug testing as requested and added the condition that she not operate a vehicle under any circumstances.
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