Pershing County’s 11th Judicial Court meets the first and third Monday of each month. Judge Jim Shirley presides.
On Monday, Dec. 3, Jeannette Irene Chamberlain came to court for a sentencing and eligibility hearing. DDA Todd Banks argued on behalf of the State of Nevada. Public Defender Steve Cochran represented the defendant.
At her Oct. 1, 2018, arraignment Chamberlain pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor, third offense.
Both sides of the bench remarked on the defendant’s subsequent efforts at rehabilitation. PD Cochran noted Chamberlain’s leadership in drug court. She’s conducted self-help meetings which allowed the court to double the number of sessions available to the public, he said.
The judge placed the defendant in a diversion program. He also imposed a public defender fee of $500.
Brandy Michelle Trappen appeared for sentencing on charges of the abuse, neglect or endangerment of a child and domestic battery by strangulation.
PD Cochran requested time for the defendant to get a mental health evaluation as previously ordered by the court. The judge granted a 45-day continuance. He noted that if the defendant does not get the evaluation, he’ll proceed with sentencing.
“You need to stay in contact with Mr. Cochran,” the judge told the Trappen. “He is your voice in this arena.” The court set sentencing for Feb. 4, 2019.
David Howard Roberts, 53, faced arraignment for the possession of a controlled substance, marijuana. He pleaded guilty to the Category E felony.
DDA Todd Banks noted that, according to court records, on Oct. 1, 2018, the defendant had over an ounce of marijuana at a rest stop in Pershing County.
Roberts faces one to four years in prison, fines of up to $5,000 or a combination of both, DDA Banks explained. The judge could grant probation. In some cases probation is mandatory, he added.
The judge set sentencing for March 4, 2019. He ordered Lisa Brannon, from the Division of Parole and Probation, to prepare a presentencing investigation report.
Samantha Renee McPherson came to court for a status hearing on outstanding fees. She agreed to a payment plan for the outstanding balance. The judge set a follow-up hearing for April 1, 2019, to assess her progress.
Joseph Carl Baker came to court from jail for arraignment. He pleaded not guilty to four charges: possession of a controlled substance for sale (marijuana), possession of a controlled substance (heroin), possession of a dangerous weapon (switchblade knife) and possession of counterfeit bills.
The court set a jury trial for March 20-21. The judge released Baker on his own recognizance subject to terms and conditions set by the court.
Judge Shirley issued a bench warrant for Jesus Alejandro Fernandez. He failed to appear for sentencing hearings on Nov. 19, 2018, and Dec. 3, 2018. PD Cochran said he informed Fernandez of the mandatory nature of the court dates. Fernandez faces trafficking charges.
Jimmy Ray Hughes did not appear for his pretrial conference because, according to court records, he’s in county custody in the state of Washington. A second Washington county has him on hold for another alleged offense. DDA Jack Bullock represented the State of Nevada.
The judge vacated Hughes’s jury trial (set for Jan. 9, 2019) and issued a bench warrant hold.
Fred Willis Clark Jr. did not appear for his hearing. He faces possible restitution and fines. The judge ordered the Office of Parole and Probation to contact officials in Calif. for Clark’s address. Clark previously pleaded guilty to the possession of a stolen vehicle. The court continued the hearing until Dec. 17, 2018.
Kristopher Lee Gordon Jaye did not appear for his arraignment hearing on charges of the possession of a controlled substance. His attorney, Richard Davis, said his office erred in notifying the defendant of the hearing. The judge continued the hearing until Dec. 17, 2018.
The court held a status hearing to assess Dustin James Tubergen’s progress in paying his court fees. They determined that he has paid his fees in full.
