James Michael White (in custody) appeared in District Court on January 6th for sentencing, after previously entering guilty pleas on two separate counts of assault with a deadly weapon last July.
According to Assistant District Attorney Jeff Weed, his girlfriend, Michelle Bray, stopped by his home to give him an Easter present last March. Allegedly unprovoked, he proceeded to verbally accost her and instigated an altercation. During Bray's attempt to leave, White chased her with a 12” metal filing tool and threw it at the vehicle, breaking a window. He then retrieved the tool from inside the car and began striking another window, also causing it to break. Glass shattered throughout the interior while Bray was inside the vehicle. White then thrust the pointed end of the tool through the window at her head. Bray was able to duck out the way and barely avoid being struck.
During his arguments, Weed stated that when law enforcement arrived, White ultimately resisted arrest. At the time, he had methamphetamine and multiple knives on his person, including a utility knife. According to Weed, while Churchill County Sheriff's officers attempted to restrain him, White attempted to harm Deputy Timmons with the utility knife, which constituted the second assault with a deadly weapons charge.
White also has a violent criminal history, stated Weed, with the majority of convictions in Florida. His previous convictions include simple assaults, domestic violence charges, felony batteries, probation violations, and revocations.
Jacob Sommer, the public defender for White, stated that the incident with Timmons was not an attempt at violence. Rather, it was the result of White resisting as the deputies tried to restrain him. In his statement to the court, White apologized and stated, “I am deeply sorry - I would like to take responsibility for what happened.”
The victim, Michelle Bray, provided testimony to the court asking the judge not to send White to prison. She stated White was a good man and she had some responsibility in the events that took place. Bray also stated that she wished she had never written the statement for law enforcement. “We have five kids and we need him at home,” Bray said.
“I have considered probation, “ stated Stockard, “but I am extremely concerned about the proximity of the respective offenses and the escalating nature of the crimes of violence. I can’t stress to you how dangerous these situations were and could become.” White received 24-60 months in prison on the first count and 28-72 months on the second count. The sentences are to run consecutively. White will receive 155 days of credit for time served and will be transported to the Nevada Department of Corrections.
Jacob Sommer, the public defender for White, stated that the incident with Timmons was not an attempt at violence. Rather, it was the result of White resisting as the deputies tried to restrain him. In his statement to the court, White apologized and stated, “I am deeply sorry - I would like to take responsibility for what happened.”
The victim, Michelle Bray, provided testimony to the court asking the judge not to send White to prison. She stated White was a good man and she had some responsibility in the events that took place. Bray also stated that she wished she had never written the statement for law enforcement. “We have five kids and we need him at home,” Bray said.
“I have considered probation,” stated Stockard, “but I am extremely concerned about the proximity of the respective offenses and the escalating nature of the crimes of violence. I can’t stress to you how dangerous these situations were and could become.” White received 24-60 months in prison on the first count and 28-72 months on the second count. The sentences are to run consecutively. White will receive 155 days of credit for time served and will be transported to the Nevada Department of corrections.
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