District Court

The Tenth Judicial District Court in Fallon convened Tuesday, Jan. 7, with Judge Thomas Stockard presiding.

Jessica Marie Topete pleaded guilty to the Gross Misdemeanor of Possession of a Dangerous Drug Without a Prescription, which is punishable by 364 days in the Churchill County Jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Topete received probation on a suspended sentence of 364 days in jail. In addition to the standard conditions of probation, Judge Stockard ordered her to obtain a substance abuse evaluation and follow its recommendations.

Rafael Contreras Jr., in custody, appeared for sentencing on Category C Felony Offer, Attempt, or Commission of an Unauthorized Act Relating to the Manufacture or Compounding of Certain Controlled Substances. Judge Stockard sentenced him to 14 to 60 months in the Nevada State Prison, to run consecutively to his 24- to 60-month sentence in a Lyon County case he is currently serving.

Brian Nigel Pettway appeared for sentencing on the Category D Felony of Driving Under the Influence of an Intoxicating Liquor or a Controlled or Prohibited Substance with a Prior Felony Conviction for DUI, which he pleaded guilty to in November. Pettway was sentenced to a state-mandated 24-180 months in prison. Upon release, he must install an interlock device on any vehicle he operates for 36 months.

Judge Stockard told Pettway, "It sounds like you've gained some insight. I also understand it is scary for you, it is scary for the court, and it is scary for the State." Pettway was remanded to the custody of the Churchill County Sheriff for the imposition of his sentence.

Richard Theodore Brown appeared for a status hearing on the Category C Felony of Non-Support of a Spouse, Former Spouse, or Child. In October 2023, sentencing was postponed for a year to allow Brown an opportunity to show he would make payments. He has made no child support payments. Judge Stockard ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI) and set sentencing for Mar. 11.

Maverick Woodward Richards appeared for a status hearing related to probation violations. Richards is currently engaged in counseling. However, he missed his last appointment and had to reschedule. Judge Stockard warned Richards that his option was to wake up in custody so he would not miss any more appointments. The court set a status hearing for Mar. 4.

Jordan Adam Cunnington appeared for a hearing regarding an underlying charge related to child support issues. The defendant has been undergoing outpatient treatment. Judge Stockard found substantial evidence that Cunnington could proceed and remanded the case to Justice Court, where it originated.

Carl Wayne Sampson, in custody, denied a Non-Technical Sentencing Violation. Sampson received probation on a suspended sentence 12-48 to Category D Felony of Fourth Degree Arson in July. An Evidentiary Hearing was set for Feb. 5.

Jessica Erin Griggs, in custody, admitted to the Non-Technical Sentencing Violation of Absconding. Judge Stockard revoked her probation and ordered her to serve her underlying sentence of 19 to 48 months in prison. Griggs was remanded to the sheriff's custody for imposition of her sentence.

Troy Holbrook, in custody, appeared for a Review Hearing regarding his custodial status. Judge Stockard denied his release on his own recognizance (OR), and bail remains the same. Holbrook previously pleaded guilty to the Category D felony of Failure to Stop on the Signal of a Peace Officer, which carries a potential penalty of 1-6 years in prison and a fine up to $5,000. Sentencing is set for Feb. 18, 2025.

Henry Lee Andrews, in custody, pleaded guilty to the Category C Felony of Convicted Sex Offender Failure to Change Name, Residence, Employment, charged as a second offense within seven years, which carries a mandatory prison sentence. Andrews also admitted to violating his probation after being convicted of the same in Oct. 2023 and received probation and a suspended sentence of 19-48 months. 

Judge Stockard imposed Andrews' underlying 19-48 month term on the sentencing violation. On the felony failure to register charge, Andrews received a sentence of 12 to 36 months in prison, to run consecutively to the underlying sentence on the violation. He has four convictions from 2005 and prior, including Indecent Exposure (x3) and Sexual Battery with Restraint. Andrews was remanded to the sheriff's custody for imposition of his sentence.

Rebecca Lynn Welch pleaded guilty to the Gross Misdemeanor of Conspiracy to Commit Home Invasion, which is punishable by 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Welch received probation on a suspended sentence of 364 days. 

Bryant Bennett Jayne, in custody, appeared for a Technical Probation Violation. Judge Stockard continued the matter pending an evaluation.