Pershing County’s 11th Judicial Court met on Wednesday, Sept. 6. Judge Jim Shirley presided over a slew of arraignments, sentencings and parole violation hearings.
? Scott James Kelley faces charges of attempted battery by a prisoner. Kenneth Ward, from Fernley, represented the defendant. Deputy Attorney General Amy Steelman appeared for the State of Nevada. The court continued the arraignment hearing until Nov. 5. Kelley is an inmate of the Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC).
? Brandy Michelle Trappen faces arraignment on charges of the abuse, neglect or endangerment of a child and domestic battery by strangulation. The court continued her hearing until Sept. 17.
? Samantha McPherson came to the courtroom from the Pershing County jail. The judge ordered her release, but she must return to court on Dec. 3, 2018, to show that she’s meeting her financial obligations.
? Dalton Lorenzo Lance Kandle, 24, pleaded guilty to the unlawful use of a controlled substance. He admitted to using methamphetamine in Lovelock on June 27, 2018. The Category E felony is punishable by one to four years in prison and fines of up to $5,000. But because Kandle has no criminal history, he’s eligible for mandatory probation.
The judge ordered the defendant to apply to the Humboldt County drug court program. He’ll face sentencing on Nov. 5, 2018. He’s asking for diversion.
? Michael John Schwarzenberg entered a not guilty plea to charges of assault with use of a deadly weapon and the abuse, neglect or endangerment of a child. Troy Jordan represented the defendant. Jordan estimated the jury trial could take up to five days since it will require Russian-Armenian interpreters. The court scheduled the trial for Jan. 28 – Feb. 1, 2019. Judge Shirley ordered the defendant to refrain from contact with his alleged victim. He also advised him to stay in touch with his lawyer.
? Homero Torres came to court for a hearing on briefs. DDA Jack Bullock and Public Defender Steve Cochran disputed the wording of the defendant’s guilty plea agreement. Torres pleaded guilty to grand larceny. The judge gave him 364 days in the Pershing County jail, suspended. He’ll serve court- supervised probation. Further, he must pay $759 for the cost of his extradition from Calif.
? Charles Kenyon Smith came to court from jail for a probation violation hearing. Rendal Miller represented the defendant. The judge reinstated Smith’s probation with the additional condition that he apply to the Pershing County drug court. Once signed up, the judge will order Smith’s release from jail.
? Amanda Ann Street came to court from jail for a probation violation hearing. The judge imposed the underlying sentence of 364 days in jail with 147 days credit for time served. If Street applies to a tribal rehabilitation program in Arizona, the judge will allow her to attend, free and clear of criminal charges.
? Ivan CT Williams, 23, came to court from prison for a probation violation hearing. Kyle Swanson represented the defendant. The judge imposed the underlying sentence of 24-72 months in prison with 245 days credit for time served.
“Take advantage of every opportunity you have in prison, so when you get out you can be a father to your son,” said the judge.
