District Court January 21

The Tenth Judicial District Court convened on Tuesday, January 21, with Judge Thomas Stockard presiding. 

Sonnie Angelo Anzaldua, pictured right, appeared for sentencing on the Category C Felony of Battery Causing Substantial Bodily Harm. 

Defense Attorney Robert Wieland "respectfully requested" the court grant his client probation. He explained that Anzaldua intends to relocate to Texas, has been conducting himself well, has been involved in church, is trying to set up a business coaching children in boxing, has made most of his required contacts with Court Services, claims he is no longer using drugs and has not been a problem in jail. Wieland also introduced Anzaldua's bail bondsman to offer a character statement.

Scott Robert Brower with Battle Born Bonds told the court he had known Anzaldua for three or four years. While Anzaldua failed to appear a few times, Brower said they have remained in frequent contact, and he believes probation would be a good option.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Lane Mills questioned Brower's knowledge of Anzaldua's character, asking if it was based solely on bail-related interactions. To which Brower admitted, "For the most part … yes."

Wieland listed upcoming appointments related to Anzaldua's eye condition and emphasized his support system in Texas. Anzaldua's parents, who appeared via Zoom, assured the court that he would live with them in Arlington, Texas, where they would ensure he stayed on the right path.

Anzaldua expressed remorse for his actions, accepted responsibility, and asked for a second chance through probation.

Judge Stockard imposed a suspended sentence of 24-60 months in the Nevada State Prison and placed Anzaldua on probation for 24 months. He must remain in Nevada until the Division of Parole and Probation arranges an interstate compact. Stockard ordered Anzaldua to obtain a substance abuse evaluation within 60 days, follow its recommendations, and pay restitution of $472.68 at $35 per month.

Miguel Angel Aguayo-Rodriguez, pictured left, pleaded guilty to the Gross Misdemeanor of Indecent or Obscene Exposure, punishable by up to 364 days in the Churchill County Jail and a fine of up to $2,000. If convicted, the Aguayo-Rodriguez will be required to register as a sex offender. A Psychological Risk Assessment will determine eligibility for probation on this charge. Sentencing was set for March 25.

Sara Michelle Jones admitted to Technical Sentencing Violations related to marijuana use. Deputy District Attorney DDA Priscilla Baker reminded the court that Jones was previously found guilty of Forgery and Possession of a Credit Card Without Consent of the Owner. Baker described Jones' repeated violations, including absconding and using methadone while pregnant, continued drug use, forging medical documents, and failing to complete Drug Court. 

Baker reported during her high-risk pregnancy, Jones continued to "do what she wants, "such as using and selling fentanyl and methamphetamine. "She needs to be held accountable for her actions," said Baker, who requested a 30-day incarceration with a requirement to attend the Western Regional Drug Court program.

Alternate Churchill County Public Defender (APD) Wright Noel stated that Jones admitted to using marijuana but denied using fentanyl. He requested probation reinstatement or a two-week delay for Jones to make personal arrangements.

Jones denied responding to people reaching out to her to buy drugs, requested her sentence be served at Washoe County Jail, and explained difficulties completing Drug Court due to hearing that certain medications were not allowed. 

Judge Stockard remanded Jones custody of the Churchill County Sheriff's Office or ordered her to serve 30 days in the Churchill County Jail. Stockard further instructed Jones to attend Drug Court immediately and warned her of future consequences for violations.

Brett Michael Sellers, in custody, admitted to the Non-Technical Sentencing Violation of Absconding. Senior Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford detailed Sellers' consecutive sentences in 2019 for Possession of a Controlled Substance and in 2022 for Failure to Appear. She requested complete probation revocation without modifications, stating, "He [Sellers] has not done anything to earn any changes." 

Churchill County Public Defender (CCPD) Jacob Sommer explained Sellers' personal struggles, including the loss of three grandchildren in a fire – which deeply impacted him, and subsequent health challenges. Sommer said Sellers recently contacted a probation officer and flew to Reno, where he surrendered himself to Airport Security. "He knows this is something that he needs to take care of."  Sommer requested concurrent sentencing rather than consecutive terms should the court not agree to reinstate Sellers on probation.

Sellers told the court that before the fire, they discovered cancer on his lung; he had a heart attack during a biopsy and is being treated for PTSD, is in grief therapy, and has quit smoking. Judge Stockard revoked Sellers' probation, modified the sentences to run concurrently, and remanded Sellers to custody for imposition of the sentence.

Amy Nicole Greene, in custody, pleaded guilty to the Category D Felony of Battery by a Probationer, Parolee, or Prisoner, punishable by 1-6 years in prison. 

Greene was accused of biting a deputy while in custody. Judge Stockard ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI), set sentencing for March 25, and provisionally Greene in the Western Nevada Drug Court specialty court program per CCPD Jacob Sommer's request.

Stacy Karyn Babb, in custody, admitted to the Non-Technical Probation Violations of Absconding and failing to complete Western Regional Drug Court as ordered.

DDA Priscilla Baker, who argued for probation revocation, cited a pattern of missed tests, absconding, and the fact that Babb had committed new crimes in Washoe County. "She was given chance after chance from Drug Court to take this opportunity seriously. And Ms. Babb failed to do so," said Baker.

CCPD Wright Noel noted Babb's acknowledgment of her mistakes and her intention to change. Babb accepted responsibility and expressed readiness to face the consequences.

Judge Stockard remanded Babb back to the custody of the sheriff's offices, rescinded diversion/probation, and sentenced Babb to 12-32 months in prison for the Category E Felony of Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Derry James Beach, in custody, pleaded guilty to the Category E Felony of Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), a First or Second Offense, punishable by 1-4 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

DDA Chelsea Sanford stated that Beach committed the offense while on parole in Washoe County, where he is also on a custodial hold. She said that Beach has squandered his opportunities at probation and prison.

CCPD Jacob Sommer requested concurrent sentencing with the Washoe County case. Beach said he knew it was his fault; he was sick and tired of being sick and tired. He knew better, and he apologized. 

Judge Stockard noted Beach's additional history of 27 misdemeanor charges and sentenced him to 12-32 months in prison to run consecutive to the Washoe County case. He was remanded to custody for imposition of sentence. 

Joshua William McEvers, in custody, admitted to the Non-Technical Sentencing Violation of failing to complete Western Regional Drug Court. SDDA Sanford detailed McEvers' 6-page violation report, which includes missed and positive drug tests and multiple failed attempts at treatment. She requested a complete probation revocation. Sanford reminded the court the underlying facts are that the defendant stole a vehicle from a local business when caught, he stepped out of the vehicle with a firearm in his hand, and he is an ex-felon.

CCPD Jacob Sommer clarified for the record that his client was not trying to do anything with the gun; the gun was in the vehicle that he took, he didn't point it at anyone, he was not threatening anyone, wasn't waving it around. Sommer also said his client has tried. He is not proud of his behavior or how he conducted himself; "He does want to try again; he does want to do better," Sommer stated.

McEvers told the court he didn't know there was a gun in the vehicle, expressed fear of prison, and requested another chance. Judge Stockard revoked his probation and imposed the underlying penalty of two 19-48 month terms for Grand Larceny and Ex-felon in Possession of a Firearm. He remanded McEvers to custody for imposition of sentence.