The Tenth Judicial District Court convened Tuesday, June 4, with Judge Thomas Stockard presiding.
Jason Ross Cain pleaded guilty to the Gross Misdemeanor charge of Abuse, Neglect, or Endangerment of a Child not Causing Substantial Bodily or Mental Harm. State statute dictates mandatory jail unless the defendant obtains a psychological risk assessment that determines the defendant is deemed at low risk to re-offend. The allegation states that Cain was operating a motor vehicle, had an accident with his child in the car, and was under the influence at the time. The court set sentencing for August 27.
Odome James Jackson, in custody, appeared for arraignment on a first amended criminal complaint filed by the state. Jackson is charged with Count I, Driving Under the Influence of an Intoxicating Liquor or a Controlled or Prohibited Substance, with a prior felony conviction for DUI. If convicted, the term carries a mandatory prison sentence of 2-15 years and a fine of $2,000-5,000; Count II, Lights or Illuminating Devices Required, a misdemeanor, which carries up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. As indicated in previous hearings, Jackson said he does not intend to enter pleas on his cases. In response, the court entered not-guilty pleas on each count.
Matthew Bernard Williams pleaded not guilty to the Category B Felony of Battery with aDeadly Weapon Causing Bodily Harm.The allegations state that Williams did hit or punch another individual, while holding a rock in his fist, causing prolonged physical pain, including a broken nose. A trial was set for November 18-22.
Chaz James John appeared for sentencing on three Category D Felonies: Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, Possessing a Credit Card or a Debit Card without Consent, and Failure to Appear After Admission of Bail or Release, to which he pled guilty in March.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford told the court John made some very poor choices and that this was a crime of opportunity. According to Sanford, John was seen on video taking a credit card, which he used until it was declined, then threw it out the window. Sanford also stated the defendant has a drug problem, and the community should not have to suffer because of it. She asked Judge Stockard to send a message to John by including jail time in his sentence should he be granted probation.
Alternate Public Defender Wright Noel told the court that his client had made positive changes, has completed the drug court program, is now employed, has been under Court Service supervision, and has been testing negative for drugs. Noel asked for probation with a heavy underlying sentence.
John apologized to the victim and acknowledged the wrong he had done. He received probation on two suspended consecutive sentences of 19-48 months in prison. Judge Stockard ordered John to serve ten days in the Churchill County Jail, which he may serve on weekends. John must also follow the recommendations of his recently obtained substance abuse evaluation. “I hope you’re sincere, I really do … Don’t waste this opportunity,” Judge Stockard told John.
Sean Douglas Bredwell appeared for sentencing on the Gross Misdemeanor of False Imprisonment. After a successfully resolved criminal settlement conference, Bredwell received a suspended sentence of 364 days in Churchill County Jail. He was placed on probation with the condition that he complete an anger management course within eight months.
Wendell Reiger, in Nevada State custody, appeared for sentencing on a Category C Felony of Attempt to Commit Residential Burglary and the Category E Felony of Attempt to Commit Bribery or Intimidate a Witness to Influence Testimony. SDDA Chelsea Sanford told the court this was déjà vu, “We're here again on this defendant…” On the burglary, Sanford asked for the maximum sentence to run consecutively to his current incarceration. “The state is seeking such a harsh sentence because the defendant has earned it,” stated Sanford, “The state is asking that we basically protect the community of Churchill County as long as possible.” On the intimidation charge, Sanford explained that while the defendant was in custody, he had another inmate call the victim and try to convince him to say he did not know who hurt him. “We are asking you hold him responsible today,” Sanford concluded.
Retained defense attorney Steve Evenson, Esq. told the court, “The idea that this was a burglary because he had the intent to commit a crime when he entered the home is not the fact here … It turned into a melee where bear spray was used on the adult child.” Evenson said the issue here is who used the bear spray. Regarding the phone call issue, there is an allegation that Reiger can be heard in the background.
Evenson told the court that his client obtained his GED while in prison and is finally becoming the adult he should have become a long time ago. He asked for probation on both counts. “He knows that the key to his life going forward is making better decisions,” said Evenson, who believes the deterrent of the probation and the lengthy jail term – Reiger having to go back and serve his time without the benefit of credit for time served, is potentially a lot worse for him than any other remedy the court would fashion.
Sanford argued against probation, noting that the court has heard this all three times before from this defendant. Further, Reiger has thirteen prior felonies, yet the defense saying that more jail time is not the solution. “Your Honor, he has forced this to be the solution … We have to protect our public.”
Judge Stockard sentenced Reiger to 12-36 months on the burglary charge and 12-45 months on the bribery charge, with the sentences running consecutively. Reiger was remanded to the custody of the Nevada State Prison for the imposition of the sentences.
Landon Dakota Mason appeared via Zoom for sentencing on the Category C Felony Offer, Attempt, or Commission of an Unauthorized Act Relating to the Manufacture or Compounding of Certain Controlled Substances, to which he pled guilty in February 2023. The state recommended a fine for Mason; the defense asked the court to impose the minimum fine with no probation. Fees and assessments were imposed. Judge Stockard fined Mason $1,000, to be paid within the next eight months.
Continuances:
- Austin Taylor Dyer's arraignment was continued to June 25
- Amanda Marie Todd's arraignment was continued to June 11
- Salvador Macias, Jr's sentencing was continued to June 25
- Elijah Blue Aughe's sentencing was continued to August 6
- Jessop Reece Morrison's status hearing was continued to August 27
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