As one of the defendants observed, “Everybody’s doing their job.” Pershing County’s 11th Judicial Court met on Monday, Nov. 5. Judge Jim Shirley presided.
Deputy District Attorney (DDA) Todd Banks argued on behalf of the State of Nevada. Public Defender Steve Cochran represented several defendants. Lisa Brannon came from the Division of Parole and Probation.
• Dennis Eugene Castillo, 53, pleaded guilty to grand larceny, a Category C felony. He admitted to taking items valued at over $650 from C-Punch Restaurant on Sept. 15, 2018.
Castillo faces one to five years in prison, fines of up to $10,000 or a combination of both. He is eligible for probation. Judge Jim Shirley sentences Castillo on Jan. 7, 2018.
• Dalton Lorenzo Lance Kandle appeared for a sentencing and eligibility hearing. He previously pleaded guilty to the unlawful use of a controlled substance.
Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS 453) allow courts to suspend proceedings and place offenders on probation. Defendants may petition the court to dismiss their cases if they complete drug treatment and other requirements.
Judge Shirley found Kandle eligible for diversion and placed him on probation for up to three years. Kandle must complete the Humboldt County drug court program.
• Stacy William Mahon came to court for a sentencing and eligibility hearing. He previously pleaded guilty to the possession of a controlled substance.
The judge ordered an evidentiary hearing for Dec. 17, 2018. He’ll determine if Mahon breached his guilty plea agreement by testing positive for drugs while self-reporting to the Pershing County drug court program.
Mahon’s Presentencing Investigation Report (PSI) showed four prior felony convictions, making him ineligible for diversion according to state law.
Cochran explained that the defendant still wished to complete drug court as a condition of his probation.
“The treatment would benefit Mr. Mahon and the community even without diversion on the table,” said Cochran. The judge ordered Mahon to follow the drug court protocol.
• James Reilly Jackson II came to court for a status hearing.
He appeared with his attorney, Kelly Ann Booth. Kyle Swanson participated telephonically. The judge granted Jackson’s graduation from the Pershing County out of state drug court program.
• Richard Orlo Smith, 58, appeared for a change of plea hearing. On March 5, 2018, Smith pleaded not guilty to domestic battery with strangulation, a Category B felony. The court set the matter for jury trial.
On Monday Smith pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit battery, a gross misdemeanor. The lesser charge reduces Smith’s exposure to a felony conviction and prison time.
Smith faces up to 364 days in the Pershing County jail, fines of up to $2,000 or a combination of both. The judge may grant probation.
The court vacated the trial and set sentencing for Dec. 17, 2018. The judge asked DDA Banks to notify the victim. She is not obligated to appear at the sentencing, but may do so if she chooses.
• Cole Lewis Stremler, 25, pleaded not guilty to three counts of sexual assault, a Category A felony.
He retained Theresa Ristenpart as his attorney. The judge set the jury trial for May 22–May 31, 2019.
Other cases
•Jerry Lindsay Bokori came to court for a status hearing. He is on parole for the unlawful use of a controlled substance. Cochran asked the judge for another status hearing in 90 days. The court will reassess Bokori’s progress on May 18, 2019.
• Jesus Alejandro Fernandez was not present for his sentencing hearing for trafficking in controlled substances.
The defendant called and asked for a continuance due to unforeseen issues, said Steve Cochran. The judge continued the hearing until Nov. 19, 2018.
• Scott James Kelley faced arraignment on charges of attempted battery by a prisoner. According to vinelink.com he is an inmate at Northern Nevada Correctional Center, to be paroled on April 14, 2019.
Kenneth Ward represented Kelley. Senior Deputy Attorney General Amanda Sage represented the State of Nevada.
The judge continued the hearing until Dec. 17, 2018.
