Tenth Judicial District Court Tuesday, October 29 - Judge Thomas Stockard presiding

Jessop Reece Morrison appeared for a Status Hearing with his retained attorney, Steve Evenson, Esq., who appeared via Zoom. According to Evenson, Morrison is still in long-term residential treatment at the Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission and will complete the program soon. Morrison told Judge Stockard that he is in a leadership position at the Mission, in the program's third phase, is taking four classes, and attends chapel every morning. Additionally, Morrison participates in therapy every two weeks, attends anger management classes, and is on track to finish in March. He said he is considering moving to Colorado with his brother when all is done here. "Things are going very well," Morrison stated.

Judge Stockard ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI) and scheduled Morrison for sentencing on April 29, 2025. 

Roman Clark pleaded no contest to the Category C Felony of Non-Support of a Spouse, Former Spouse, or Child, which carries a potential penalty of one to five years in Nevada State Prison and a fine up to $10,000. Churchill County Public Defender Jacob Sommer noted that his client's first payments were withheld from his paychecks, so payments are now scheduled and regular. Deputy District Attorney Aaron Thomas reported the defendant is $28,843.42 in arrears. Per the plea agreement, the court will reduce the charge to a Gross Misdemeanor if Clark remains current with his payments for the next 12 months. Judge Stockard set sentencing to November 4, 2025. 

Timothy Michael Riddle pleaded guilty to the Category D Felony of Grand Larceny of Personal Goods or Property (valued at $1,200 - $5,000), which is punishable by one to four years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Under the plea agreement terms, sentencing was set for April 29 to allow Riddle six months to pay restitution. 

Matthew P. Beyer, in custody, entered a guilty plea pursuant to Alford to the Category D Felony of Third-Degree Arson, which is punishable by one to four years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. An Alford Plea allows defendants to maintain their innocence while accepting all penalties associated with a guilty plea. Deputy District Attorney Priscilla Baker said the state would be able to prove that in February 2024, Beyer did ignite or cause a vehicle fire. Judge Stockard provisionally placed Beyer in the Western Nevada Regional Drug Court program. Upon his first appearance, the presiding judge will determine if he may be released from custody. Judge Stockard ordered a PSI and set sentencing for December 31. 

Dennis Allen Clark was not present for an Annual Review Hearing. Judge Stockard stated that the court received an evaluation from Dr. Patterson at Lake's Crossing, which concluded that Clark should remain in residence and continue to receive treatment for the time being. CCPD Jacob Sommer explained that Clark has made some improvements; however, his doctors believe that appearing in court would be detrimental to his progress. Clark was arrested in August 2022 on charges of Assault with a Deadly Weapon and in May 2022 for Battery. Judge Stockard ordered the next Review Hearing for October 28, 2025. 

Continuances and Warrants 

Dominick Scott Burtt's Sentencing Violation Hearing was continued to November 15. 

Travis Wade Souza failed to appear for a Sentencing Violation Hearing, and the court issued a $50,000 cash-only bench warrant. 

Richard Theodore Brown failed to appear for a Status/Arraignment Hearing. Churchill County Alternate Public Defender Wright Noel told the court he has not had much contact with his client. A $25,000 cash-only Bench Warrant was issued.