A Lovelock man headed to prison on Wednesday. Jefferey Dale Crafts pleaded guilty to probation violations. In December 2016 the 11th judicial gave the defendant a 19-48 month suspended sentence for the possession of stolen property.
Crafts fell behind in his financial obligations to the court. He failed to pay the $30 per month supervision fee Nevada requires of all probationers. His bill climbed to $600.
On Jan. 24, 2018, Crafts removed himself from the drug court program, a condition of his probation.
"I was unable to find work," he said. "My father was the sole supporter of both of us. My dad didn't have the heart to admit that he's better off with me either contributing or not being there."
The defendant explained that he just wanted to serve his sentence.
"I'll pay whatever price I have to to get my life back,” he said. "I brought this on myself right from the start. The idea of prison sounds worse today than it did in my head, to be honest with you. But I've come to terms with it."
Both sides of the bench said Crafts always showed respect to the drug court panel.
"Mr. Crafts, you're a bigger man than many who come before me," said the judge.
He reinstated the defendant’s original sentence with 176 days credit for time served.
"I wish you well," said Judge Shirley. "I'm sure that your father wishes you luck as well."
Street admits probation violations
In August 2017 Amanda Ann Street pleaded guilty to battery on a peace officer. On Wednesday she admitted to violating the terms and conditions of her probation.
The Judge reinstated Street’s probation with added conditions. He concluded that she needs a higher level of care. When a bed becomes available, Street will transition directly from jail to a long-term treatment program.
Man faces heroin
trafficking charges in four counties
Ramiro Perez pleaded guilty at his arraignment hearing on Wednesday. He faces sentencing for trafficking in a controlled substance, heroin.
Pershing, Humboldt, Lander and Elko counties have entered into a global settlement of the case.
Perez admits that on April 6, 2017, he pulled into a Lovelock truckstop with between four and 14 grams of heroin in his possession.
Public Defender Steve Cochran noted that according to court records Perez possessed 9.28 grams of the narcotic.
DDA Bullock described the crime as a Category B felony. He added that the charges are not probatable. Perez looks at from one to six years in prison and fines of up to $50,000.
The court remanded Perez to the custody of the Pershing County Sheriff's Office. The judge asked Lisa Brannon from the Division of Parole and Probation to prepare a presentence investigation report. Once she completes it the court will sentence the defendant.
Plea or trial?
Charles Handford Ferguson faces charges of the unlawful furnishing of a controlled substance. The court will schedule a change of plea hearing if Ferguson pleads guilty. Otherwise, they'll pull a jury, and hold a trial in March 2018.
