Derrick Carlyle Alexander, in custody, appeared without counsel on a charge of Failure to Appear After Admission to Bail, a Category D Felony, punishable by 1-4 years in prison. On March 17, 2022, the case was referred to the Nevada Department of Indigent Defense Services because the Churchill County Public Defender's Office had to withdraw as counsel. The DIDS was just able to appoint Paul Yohey, Esq., to represent Alexander. The hearing was continued until April 19 to grant Yohey time to meet with Alexander, who is currently serving 90 days in the County Jail on a previous unrelated charge.
April Nadine Baldwin appeared for sentencing. According to Justin Oakes, Esq., defense counsel for Baldwin, his client was operating a dispensary without a license. Oakes stated that Baldwin had been doing well during her provisional placement in the Western Regional Specialty Court program. Judge Stockard suspended proceedings and placed Baldwin on probation and is requiring her to successfully complete the Specialty Court program, after which the charge will be reduced to a misdemeanor.
Denny Tony Benka, in custody, pled guilty to one count of Second-Degree Arson, a Category B Felony punishable by 1-10 years in prison. According to CCPD Jacob Sommer, on January 23, 2022, Benka did set fire to his own home. The Court set sentencing for June 21.
Brandiblu Elquist pled guilty to Residential Burglary, a Category B Felony punishable by 1-10 years in prison. According to her court-appointed attorney, Moria Desmarias, Esq., between January and June 2021, Elquist did enter a residence on Santa Fe Drive in Fallon with the intent to commit larceny. Per the terms of her plea agreement, all other charges related to this incident will be dropped. The court scheduled sentencing for June 21.
Kayla Renee Pierson appeared for sentencing on a gross misdemeanor charge of Conspiracy to Possess a Schedule III, IV, or V Controlled Substance. According to her attorney Justin Oakes, Esq., Pierson has been doing well during her provisional placement in the Western Regional Drug Court program. Judge Stockard suspended a sentence of 364 days in jail and officially placed her in Drug Court.
Kristina Marie Reeves, in custody, appeared on a probation violation. According to Parole & Probation, Reeves failed to comply with the controlled substances provisions of her release. Additionally, she is facing multiple other criminal charges in Justice Court. Reeves admitted that she failed to meet the performance requirements of Parole & Probation. Her attorney, CCPD Jacob Sommer requested to continue the proceedings to address the other charges and come to a global resolution. Judge Stockard agreed to continue the matter until May 10.
Earl Thomas Smith pled guilty to Failure to Stop on the Signal of a Peace Officer, a Category B Felony punishable by 1-6 years in prison. According to Churchill County Public Defender Wright Noel, his plea agreement states if Smith successfully completes probation, the charge will be reduced to a gross misdemeanor. Smith is to appear for sentencing on June 21.
Trevor James Nady, in custody, appeared for sentencing with his attorney, Charles Woodman, Esq. Woodman requested a continuance until July 12 to allow for a global resolution to be negotiated as Nady has other pending cases in Justice Court. Stockard continued as requested.
Ronald Gene Renzulli, in custody, appeared on two sentencing violations. According to his attorney, Justin Oaks, Esq., his client has been unable to comply with the terms of Drug Court and probation. He requested the court order a sanction of six months in jail and reinstate on probation. ADA Chelsea Sanford asked for prison for Renzulli, stating that he was given extraordinary opportunities to turn things around. Judge Stockard revoked Renzulli’s probation and imposed the underlying sentences. On Count (1) Offer, Attempt, or Commission of Unauthorized Act relating to Manufacture or Compounding of Certain Controlled Substances, Renzulli was sentenced to 24-60 months in prison. On Count (2), Low-Level Possession of a Controlled Substance (14-28 grams), he was sentenced to 24-60 months.
Daniel Ray Sharp appeared for a pre-trial evidentiary hearing. The hearing was vacated and will be rescheduled to allow the parties to appear via Zoom.
Logan Wade Thomas appeared for sentencing on a single count of Burglary of a Structure, a Category D Felony punishable by 1-4 years in prison. According to the criminal complaint, on December 28, Thomas entered the old Cock’n Bull Restaurant on South Taylor with the intent to commit larceny. Churchill CCPD Jacob Sommer asked the Court to consider probation, stating that since his arrest, his client has maintained his sobriety, gained employment, and complied with the terms of his release. Thomas received probation on a suspended sentence of 19-48 months. Judge Stockard also ordered Thomas to maintain full-time employment and avoid contact with anyone else involved with the burglary.
Autumn Rae Yungk pled guilty to one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance, a first or second offense, and a Category E Felony punishable by 1-4 years in prison. According to Assistant District Attorney Chelsea Sandford, Yungk admitted that on December 19, at or near 198 W. Williams Avenue, she knowingly possessed approximately five grams of a Schedule I controlled substance, mainly methamphetamine. Judge Stockard granted Yungk probation on a suspended sentence of 12-32 months in prison.
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