Probationers Face Jail and Prison on Violations

Tenth Judicial District Court Judge Thomas Stockard presided over hearings on July 23 for two probationers charged with sentencing violations. 

Sara Michelle Jones appeared on a Non-Technical Sentencing Violation of Absconding, which she admitted to on June 25. She was initially granted probation on suspended prison sentences of 19-48 months for forgery and obtaining a credit card without consent. 

Churchill County Alternate Public Defender Wright Noel told Judge Stockard that Jones is the first to say her probation conduct was not as good as expected. "Worse than that… I think it was just abysmal, and she would say that too," said Noel.

Noel read from a letter written by a friend of Jones, who stated that she had known the defendant for about 40 years. She admitted she has seen changes in Jones she never thought possible and has no doubt she will continue to progress with her sobriety.

Noel told Judge Stockard Jones had been attending substance abuse counseling and is maintaining gainful employment. "She's building a good life for herself," said Noel, who asked the court to reinstate her probation.

Jones told Judge Stockard she is currently on Adderall and has been on methadone since September 24, 2021, but plans to taper off after she births the child she is now carrying. "I know it comes down to choices, and the choices that I made that put me in front of you today were not the best choices," admitted Jones, who explained she surrounds herself with the types of people she needs to be around, takes full accountability, and wants to put her past behind her.

Deputy District Attorney Priscilla Baker argued, "Part of taking responsibility is accepting consequences." She reminded the court that Jones entered someone's home under the ruse of cleaning and stole credit cards, checks, and prescriptions.

According to Baker, Jones had approximately 30 positive results and 15 missed tests while on probation. She participated in several programs and failed all of them, said Baker, who believes Jones had evaded any consequences. "She did nothing on probation except use, and failed to test, and fail to cooperate with all the resources Drug Court gave her."  

Baker told Judge Stockard that Jones' last contact with Parole & Probation was May 16, 2022, although she said she's been clean since September 20, 2021. Although Jones has done well, Baker said, "She didn't turn herself in, she didn't accept responsibility, she got caught – and when she got caught, she's like, 'But look at all I've done, I've changed my life.'” Baker concluded by asking that Jones' probation be revoked and she be sent to prison, stating that Jones needs to be held accountable and that there need to be consequences.  

Judge Stockard ordered Jones to drug test after court and continued the case to September 3, stating he would like further information regarding the methadone, as she's been on it since 2021. He would like to know why she didn't taper off before pregnancy and what the impact of methadone use is on the gestational period of the baby.

Stockard told Jones, "The state is not wrong; you have earned going to prison," 

She replied, "I agree."  

Jared Aaron Greathouse, in custody, admitted to a sentencing violation on the Gross Misdemeanor of Attempt to Commit Unlawful Obtaining and Using the Identifying Information of Another to Avoid or Delay Prosecution, which he pled guilty to in March. 

Additionally, Greathouse pled guilty on two new charges and appeared for sentencing on (I) Category C Felony of Unlawful Obtaining and Using of the Identifying Information of Another to Avoid or Delay Prosecution, punishable by 1-5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000; and, II) Misdemeanor Petite Larceny, punishable by six months in the jail and a fine of up to $1,000 or 200 hours of community service.  

The factual basis for Count I alleged that Greathouse gave the false name of Jacob Greathouse to avoid prosecution on another charge. On Count II, Greathouse was alleged to have taken $30 cash from Speedway Market, where he was gambling at a machine. He saw the attendant step away, reached behind the glass, and stole from the tip jar.

Judge Stockard sentenced Greathouse to the following: 

• ·         Sentencing Violation – 30 days in jail, with 30 days credit for time served. 
• ·         Petit Larceny – 22 days in jail, with 22 days credit for time served.
• ·         Felony Unlawful Obtaining and Using of the Identifying Information—two years of probation on a suspended sentence of 24-60 months, with the condition that Greathouse spend 180 days in Churchill County Jail starting today.

Upon his release, Greathouse must also obtain a substance abuse evaluation and follow its recommendations, gain full-time employment within 30 days, refrain from gaming of any kind, and pay restitution of $30. Judge Stockard told Greathouse, "Mr. Sommer [the Churchill County Public Defender] tells me you've learned your lesson. The jury is still out on that."