Teresa Moon
Kelvin Kee Yesslith appeared for sentencing on Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), a First or Second Offense, to which he pleaded guilty on April 7.
Churchill County Public Defender Jacob Sommer said that, with the exception of a misdemeanor conviction in 2020, Yesslith had not sustained a conviction since 2016. Sommer said his client has been respectful and diligent, has worked well with counsel, is employed, and would like to continue providing for his family. The defense asked for probation.
Yesslith told Judge Stockard, “I made a mistake, you know, I was helping some people and I took some stuff from them to get rid of it.”
Judge Stockard granted him probation on a suspended 12–38-month prison sentence. As a condition of probation, he was ordered to obtain a substance abuse evaluation and follow all recommendations. Stockard told Yesslith, “My advice to you is continue to help people out, but not with contraband.”
Lance Kenneth Spencer appeared for sentencing on the Category C Felony of Burglary of a Business, to which he pleaded guilty on April 7.
Senior Public Defender Jeffrey Weed told the court there has been a significant change in Spencer since he first appeared in court. Weed said Spencer has graduated from high school, obtained employment, and is pursuing counseling. He noted that Spencer admitted responsibility for the offense, explaining that while intoxicated, he broke a window and entered the Green Cross Pharmacy in an attempt to steal money.
The defense asked that Spencer be allowed to participate in the Western Nevada Regional Drug Court Program. Weed said the defendant is 18 and that the goal is to set him up for success.
Spencer told the court, “This isn't who I want to be. I want to do and to be better.” He said he hopes to become a welder.
Proceedings were suspended, and Spencer was placed on probation with the condition that he enter and successfully complete the Western Nevada Regional Drug Court Program. Additional conditions prohibit him from entering Green Cross Pharmacy, require him to develop a plan for further education, and share it with his probation officer.
Brayden Walker Castillo, in custody, pleaded guilty to Battery on an Officer, Provider of Health Care, School Employee, Taxicab Driver, Transit Operator, or Sports Official, a Gross Misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford said law enforcement officers responded to a battery call and found Castillo hiding in the bushes. After discovering he had an outstanding traffic violation and attempting to arrest him, Castillo hooked an officer's leg, took him to the ground, kicked at officers, and spat on another officer.
“This conduct is inexcusable,” Sanford told the court. “These are individuals who are just trying to do their jobs.” Sanford noted that one of the officers submitted a victim impact statement and asked the court to sentence Castillo appropriately.
Castillo was represented by Churchill County Alternate Public Defender Wright Noel, who argued that his client's conduct was tied to alcohol abuse rather than a disregard for law enforcement. Noel said Castillo has completed New Frontier's program, is employed, and asked that he be allowed to participate in the Western Nevada Regional Drug Court Program.
Castillo told Judge Stockard, “I've been seeing you since I was a little guy. Most of it's all been related to substance; alcohol, alcohol, alcohol. Always alcohol.”
He said he is 24 years old, is working with a counselor, and realizes he is “basically fighting for my life at this point.” Castillo said that instead of trying to forget his mistakes, he is trying to learn from them and hopes to someday have a good job and a family.
Judge Stockard sentenced Castillo to 60 days in jail.
Chad Austin Jenkins, in custody, pleaded guilty in two separate cases.
In the first case, Jenkins pleaded guilty to a gross misdemeanor charge of Manufacture, Importation, Possession, or Use of a Dangerous Weapon or Silencer, or Carrying a Concealed Weapon Without a Permit; and misdemeanor Resisting, Delaying, or Obstructing a Public Officer.
The factual basis stated that Jenkins was carrying a concealed carbon dioxide-powered pellet gun, which was legal for him to possess but illegal to carry concealed. When contacted by law enforcement, he fled from officers.
In the second case, Jenkins pleaded guilty to Burglary of a Motor Vehicle, a Category E Felony, and Obtaining or Possessing a Credit Card, Debit Card, or Identifying Information Without Consent, a Category D Felony.
A Pre-Sentencing Investigation was ordered in the felony case, with sentencing set for Aug. 11. Jenkins was provisionally placed in Western Nevada Regional Drug Court, which will determine if he is to be released from custody.
On the misdemeanor charges, defense attorney Charles Woodman told the court, “My client's problem, as is the case with so many people sitting here, is that he is a drug addict.” Woodman explained that Jenkins was under the influence, carrying the airsoft gun, and fled when police arrived, arguing that rehabilitation was Jenkins’ greatest need.
Woodman noted that Jenkins had been accepted by New Frontier and said long-term recovery would be critical if he hoped to break his cycle of criminal behavior. Quoting a friend who has been sober for 30 years, Woodman said, “Whether it's alcohol or drugs, they're incredibly patient. They will wait as long as they need to for you.”
Jenkins told Judge Stockard, “I'm not trying to give you a sob story, but I have been addicted to hard drugs since I was fifteen … I just want a chance to go be with my family, and just chill. I don't want to get in no more trouble.”
Judge Stockard granted Jenkins probation on suspended consecutive jail sentences of 364 days for the concealed carry charge and 180 days for resisting arrest. He also ordered Jenkins to successfully complete Drug Court.
Crystal Angela Strosnider was not present for her scheduled arraignment. Her case was continued to June 16.
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