The New River Township Justice Court convened on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, with Judge Benjamin Trotter presiding.
Jason Kenneth McKern, in custody, was arrested on a DUI First Offense and other related charges on Christmas Day. The DUI carries a potential penalty of up to six months in prison. McKern was also charged with driving with a suspended license, failure to show proof of insurance, failure to maintain the traffic lane, driving with a suspended license, and displaying fictitious/canceled/suspended license plates. The Churchill County Public Defenders’ Office was assigned to represent McKern. Judge Trotter released him on his own recognizance (OR) release and set his next appearance for January 20.
Ramey Smiley, in custody, was arraigned on a charge of Failure to Stop on Signal of Peace Officer while Under the Influence of Alcohol or a Controlled Substance, a Category D Felony punishable by 1-4 years. On Christmas Day at or near 4545 Sheckler Rd., the criminal complaint states that Smiley failed to pull over when law enforcement attempted to stop him with lights and sirens. According to Chief Deputy District Attorney Lane Mills, Smiley’s first offense DUI occurred out of Walker River when he rammed his vehicle into a house, with children inside, while under the influence of alcohol. The event resulted in a DUI and a felony assault with a deadly weapon conviction, for which he is currently on probation. Lane also stated that Smiley has an extensive criminal history, including battery on an office and failure-to-appear charges. He is presently on a custody hold with Parole & Probation for violating the terms of his supervision, has a severe alcohol problem, and must remain in jail pending a hearing on the alleged probation violations. Smiley informed the court that he had a bed secured at the Salvation Army long-term substance abuse program in Reno and requested to be released his own recognizance. Trotter agreed to the OR release, should his current P&P hold be dropped, and that he be transported directly to the treatment facility. The Churchill County Public Defenders’ Office was assigned to represent Smiley, who will appear in court again on January 20.
Robert Mark Havens, in custody, was arraigned after being arrested on several charges on December 25. These included: DUI Second Offense. The charge carries a mandatory ten days in jail but can extend up to six months. Possess a Firearm While Under the Influence of Alcohol, a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail. Driving without a Valid Driver’s License, punishable by up to six months in jail. Buy, Possess, Receive, or Withhold Stolen Property ($250-$2,500), a Category C Felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Petit Larceny, a misdemeanor carrying a penalty of up to six months in jail, restitution, and fines up to $1,000. Residential Burglary, First Offense, a Category B Felony punishable by 1-10 years in prison. The Churchill County Public Defenders’ Office was assigned to represent Havens, who is also set to appear in court on January 20. Despite arguments from DA Mills against Havens’ release from custody based on the severity of the charges and potential danger to the community, Judge Trotter released Havens on his Own Recognizance (OR).
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