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Thursday, November 28, 2024 at 10:47 AM
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District Court News

The Tenth Judicial District Court convened Tuesday, November 1, with Judge Thomas Stockard presiding.
District Court News

Cheyene Marie Gearhart pled guilty to a charge of Battery on an Officer, a Gross Misdemeanor that carries a potential penalty of 364 days in the Churchill County Jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Gearhart received a suspended sentence and was placed on probation with conditions attached including that she completes the Western Regional Drug Court program.

Jonathan David Smith pled guilty to the amended charge of Attempt to Commit Convicted Sex Offender Violations of the Provisions. This charge can be a Gross Misdemeanor which is punishable by up to 364 days in the Churchill County Jail and a fine of up to $2,000, or it can be a Category E Felony which carries a potential penalty of 1-4 years in Nevada State Prison and a fine of up to $5,000. ADA Priscilla Baker told the court that in September 2022 a deputy noted Smith had failed to register as a sex offender and that he needed to do so. Over a month later, he had not done so. The state asked that Smith be charged with a Category E Felony. Public Defender Jacob Sommer asked that Smith be charged with a Gross Misdemeanor and requested probation. Smith told the court he was embarrassed to be there. He said he was completely wrong and “I accept full responsibility.” The judge sentenced Smith as a Gross Misdemeanor sentencing him to 364 days in the Churchill County Jail, suspended. Smith was placed on probation for up to 12 months with conditions attached, including that he maintains his registration. Fines and fees were applied.

 

Howard A. Pierson appeared for a Status Hearing. Pierson was granted the privilege of diversion to a Mental Health Court in September. Pierson has been returned although he participated, his evaluation showed he was not qualified for Mental Health Court. Pierson was found guilty on the Charge of Conspiracy to Prevent or Dissuade a Witness or Victim from Reporting a Crime, a Gross Misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in the Churchill County Jail and a fine of up to $2,000.  He was sentenced to 364 days, suspended, and placed on probation for up to 12 months. Conditions of his probation include that Pierson obtains a substance abuse evaluation and a mental health evaluation and that he follows the recommendations in both. Fines and fees were applied.

 

Shawn Michael Webb failed to appear for a Status Hearing, a Bench Warrant was issued.

 

Jonathon Wayne Brown, in custody, appeared for sentencing on a charge of Domestic Battery by Strangulation, a Category C Felony punishable by 1-5 years in Nevada State Prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Attorney Steve Evenson told the court that Brown disputes the facts alleged in the police report. He stated Brown “is particularly upset that the allegation of domestic violence by strangulation appears to be in error.” ADA Chelsea Sanford countered that there was additional information besides the police report at the primary examination and based on witness testimony at the preliminary hearing. Sanford stated the state feels that based on the totality of the circumstances there is sufficient basis to include strangulation. The state asked the defendant to be sentenced to 24-60 months in Nevada State Prison. Evenson told the court that the defendant has asked that he be allowed to go to the Salvation Army program or Life Changes program. Brown asked for mercy in being allowed to attend the Salvation Army program. He apologized to the victim. The victim, Destiny Kolkman, was present via Zoom. She told the court she has PTSD; she still has pain in her arm from Brown “dragging me across the floor.” She said her daughter still runs and hides if a car pulls up by their house “thinking it might be Jonathon.”  Kolkman said she does not accept Brown's apology, she does not believe anything he's saying, and he is a manipulator. Brown was sentenced to 2-5 years in Nevada State Prison, 616 days credit for time served. Fines and fees were applied. The judge told Brown he hopes he is sincere about the Salvation Army program and that Brown pursues it on his own when he gets out of prison.

 

Monica Renee Belford, in custody, appeared for sentencing on a charge of Driving Under the Influence of an Intoxicating Liquor or a Prohibited Substance with a Prior Felony Conviction for DUI. Belford received a sentence of 42-160 months in Nevada State Prison. Fines and fees were applied.

 

Angelica Leticia Lopez-Rickards, in custody, appeared for a Review Hearing regarding a Bench Warrant that was issued after several unsuccessful attempts to have a competency evaluation done on an outpatient basis. Stockard released Lopez-Rickards on her own recognizance, telling her that he is going to give her one last chance. Conditions of the OR included that Lopez-Rickards stay in Fallon, except for work until she completes the evaluation, and she checks in with Court Services daily. A Review Hearing was scheduled for November 29.

Samuel Dean Wood pled guilty to a charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st or 2nd offense, a Category E Felony which carries a possible penalty of 1-4 years in Nevada State Prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Wood was provisionally admitted to the Western Regional Drug Court program. A Status Hearing was set for November 29.

 

Benjamin Franklin Pascoe, in custody, appeared via Zoom from Washoe County Jail for a Status Hearing regarding a non-technical violation report from probation and parole. Arraignment on the violation report was scheduled for December 20.

 

 


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