District Court Hearings June 27

The Tenth Judicial District Court convened Tuesday, June 27, with Judge Thomas Stockard presiding.

Shelley Leanne Sonafrank appeared for a Status Hearing on two violations. Court Services reported the defendant tested positive for methamphetamine June 21 and 26. Defense Attorney Paul Wolfe told the court that his client would benefit from inpatient treatment and she stated she is ready to engage in treatment. Deputy District Attorney Aaron Thomas asked for revocation of probation. The judge ordered the defendant directly to New Frontier.

Donald Scott Echer reported the successful completion of DUI Diversion Program. He received fees and assessments at statutory minimums of a fine of $750, 10 days in Churchill County Jail (completed), DUI school (satisfied), Victim Impact Panel (satisfied), and breath interlock device for 18 months (satisfied).

Jordan Annmarie Clairmont appeared via Zoom from the Washoe County Detention Center. She admitted she violated the terms and conditions of probation with a non-technical probation violation of Domestic Battery. The judge revoked Clairmont’s probation and imposed the underlying sentence.

Becky Ann Humphrey was not present for a Status Hearing. Public Defender Jacob Sommer updated the court regarding Humphrey’s serious medical condition. The Status Hearing was re-set for September 19.

Tyler James Rickards, in custody, appeared for a Status Hearing. Public Defender Charles Woodman told the court he has not received all the necessary documents from Rickards’s previous counsel. Woodman was given 48 hours to complete the paperwork for a supplemental Pre-Sentence Investigative Report and sentencing was sentencing for July 25.

Cody Brandt Franklin, in custody, appeared for arraignment. Following a discussion with both attorneys, the judge granted a continuance to July 18.

Amanda Sharon Nadeau, in custody, appeared on a non-technical probation violation which she had previously admitted. After statements from Defense Attorney Steve Evenson and DDA Thomas, the judge found that Nadeau did violate the terms and conditions of her probation. He reinstated her probation with the additional condition that Nadeau remain in custody until she attends drug court the next day. Drug court will decide if she stays in custody until she is admitted to Step 2.

Laura Jean Engleman appeared for arraignment. Attorney Steve Evenson said there is a negotiated settlement, but the details need to be finalized. The case was continued until July 18.

Anthony P. Burnitt pleaded guilty to a Gross Misdemeanor charge of Assault on an Officer. Deputy DA Priscilla Baker explained the defendant threatened suicide by cop and asked that a mental health evaluation be obtained and for Burnitt to follow the recommendations of the evaluation. Public Defender Wright Noel agreed there is a mental health issue that is tied to alcohol. Burnitt has obtained a substance abuse evaluation which recommended outpatient treatment. The judge assessed fees, and sentenced Burnitt to 364 days in Churchill County Jail, suspended, with 12 months probation, with the standard probationary conditions. Burniit was ordered to follow the recommendations of his substance abuse evaluation, to obtain a mental health evaluation, and follow the recommendations of the evaluations.

Chad Dean Nuttal failed to appear for arraignment. A $25,000 bondable Bench Warrant was ordered.

Lawrence Franklin Charles appeared for sentencing on a Driving Under the Influence 3rd or more offense. Chief Deputy DA Lane Mills told the court the state does not object to a diversion program for the defendant. PD Noel stated Charles has been provisionally doing drug court and asked that he be officially placed in the program. Charles reported he is doing well in the program. The judge suspended proceedings, placing Charles officially in the drug court program. He will continue to be under house arrest.

Bryan William Serles, in custody, appeared for arraignment on a Gross Misdemeanor charge of Intimidating a Public Office Without Threat of Force, which carries a potential penalty of 364 days in Churchill County Jail and a fine of up to $2,000. PD Noel told the court they had a deal worked out with the state; however, Serles would not sign it. Serles said he is willing to plead, but he can’t sign something that says he will do a year in jail. Serles pleaded not guilty, and the judge set a trial for September 6-8 with a settlement conference set for July 28.

Jimmy Gilroy Thomas, in custody, pleaded not guilty to a Category D Felony of Battery that Constitutes Domestic Battery with a Prior Felony that Constitutes Domestic Battery, which carries a potential penalty of 2-16 years in Nevada State Prison and a fine of $2,000 to $5,000. A trial was set for October 4-6; a settlement conference was set for July 28.