Court News

Tenth Judicial District Court convened with Judge Tom Stockard presiding March 30, 2021

James Daniel Balocca Sr. (in custody) plead guilty to Domestic Battery Causing Substantial Bodily Harm, a Category C Felony. Churchill County Public Defender (CCPPD) Jacob Sommer, representing Balocca, asked for the minimum prison sentence allowed by law as the crime carries a mandatory 1-5 years in prison. The victim was present for the hearing and addressed the court, asking that court not to impose the minimum sentence, stating that Bolacca’s pattern of behavior has gotten more severe over time. “He needs to be punished for what he has done and understand the impact his behavior has had on his victims,” the victim said. Balocca was sentenced to 20-50 months in prison and will receive credit for 126 days served. 

James Allen Bond (in custody) plead guilty to Failure to Appear after Admission to Bail or Release Without Bail, a Category D Felony. CCPD Jacob Sommer, counsel for Bond, stated that the Crossroads Program (substance abuse treatment program) accepted Bond to their program, a 6-to-24-month program to be completed as a probation condition. Sentencing is set for June 22. 

Tyler Rex Fisher (in custody) plead guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance, a Category C Felony, punishable by 1-4 years in prison. CCPD Jacob Sommer, counsel for Fisher, stated that on February 6, his client did knowingly possess methamphetamines. Sentencing is scheduled for April 13, 2021.
Torri Anne Gibbs (in custody) plead guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance, a first or second offense, a Category E Felony punishable by 1-4 years in prison. CCPD Wright Noel, counsel for Gibbs, stated that his client did possess methamphetamines on the date in question. Noel did submit an application to Drug Court on behalf of his client due to the nature of her charges. Assistant District Attorney (ADA) Chelsea Sanford stated that a pre-sentencing investigation is not required for this case. Gibbs stated that she had failed the Drug Court Program before due to her ongoing relationship with Richard Gardner when she had multiple failed drug tests and was sentenced to prison. Gibbs was sentenced to probation not to exceed 18 months under the conditions that she enter and successfully complete Western Regional Drug Court and also have no contact with Richard Gardner. Judge Stockard authorized an electronic search and seizure clause to ensure that Gibbs was not being untruthful during this program and stated that if she is found to have any contact with Richard Gardner, she will be brought in front of the judge for a probation violation. 

Robert Willis Ortiz (in custody) plead guilty to a Court Services violation. Lisa Brannan with Court Services stated that Ortiz was previously released on his own recognizance and failed to appear for drug testing on February 2 and February 9. A bench warrant was issued on February 16 and he was taken into custody on March 24. $10,000 cash-only bail was set pending sentencing.

Kevin Andrew Sneed (in custody) was sentenced on numerous charges after failing to complete Specialty Court per prior plea memorandums. Sneed was charged with: (1) Challenges to Fight a Gross Misdemeanor punishable by 364 days in jail, (2) Child Abuse, Neglect or Endangerment, a Category B Felony punishable by 1-6 years in prison, (3) Battery on a Police Officer a Gross Misdemeanor punishable by 364 days in jail, (4) Possession of a Dangerous Weapon by a Prisoner, a Category C Felony punishable by 1-6 years in prison. ADA Jeffrey Weed stated that Sneed had gone to the local skate park and started an argument with a group of kids. He got into an altercation with a 13-year-old and slapped the boy, which knocked him to the ground. When Fallon Police Officer Shyne responded, Sneed then proceeded to wrap his legs around Officer Shyne, taking him to the ground and would not release him until another officer arrived on the scene to assist. Sneed took a moment to address Officer Shyne, apologizing for his behavior and asking for forgiveness. Sneed was sentenced to 28-72 months in prison on the child abuse/endangerment charge and 24-60 months for possessing a dangerous weapon while incarcerated. He also received two separate terms of 286 days in jail on the misdemeanor offenses. All sentences were suspended and he was placed on probation. 

Dwane Richard Thompson (in custody) plead guilty to (1) Driving Under the Influence with a Prior Felony Conviction for Driving Under the Influence, a Category B Felony punishable by 2-15 years in prison, (2) Failure to Appear (FTA) After Release with Bail, a Gross Misdemeanor punishable by 364 days in jail. Richard P Davies Esq., counsel for Thompson in the DUI case, stated that August 30, 2019, Thompson was found to be slumped over in his vehicle, seemingly passed out at mile-marker 35CH with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 2.49.  Jacob Sommer, CCPD counsel for Thompson FTA case, stated that his client did knowingly and intentionally fail to appear in court for his arraignment. Thompson was sentenced to 39 days in jail with credit for 39 days served in the FTA case, and 24-72 months in prison on the DUI.

Scott Allen Williams (in custody) plead guilty to Unlawfully Taking of a Vehicle, a Gross Misdemeanor, punishable by 364 days in jail. CCPD Wright Noel, counsel for Williams, stated that his client did take the victim's vehicle without her consent. ADA Priscilla Baker said that Williams took the car he was working on and fled the state to California, where he was apprehended on an unrelated charge. Due to his apprehension, the victim could not recover her vehicle. Baker requested restitution of $3,700. Due to William’s sentencing requirements in Kings County, California, and his impending release in 12 days, he was sentenced to 364 days in jail, suspended, with probation not to exceed 12 months under the condition that  restitution be made to the state for the interstate transport cost of $2,025 and $3,700 to the victim.

Steven Kord Wolfson previously plead guilty to (1) Offer, Attempt, or Commission of Unauthorized Act Relating to Manufacture or Compounding of Certain Controlled Substances, a First offense a Category C Felony punishable by 2-15 years in prison, (2) Possession of a Controlled Substance, a Category C Felony punishable by 1-4 years in prison, and (3) Failure to Stop at the Signal of a Peace Officer, a Category B Felony punishable by 1-6 years in prison. Wolfson received suspended sentences of 12-36 months in prison for count one and two, 19-48 months in prison for count three, with all sentences to run consecutively. He will receive 128 days credit time served. Wolfson is currently in treatment at the Idaho House and will be attending the aftercare program upon completing the current program.