On Monday, May 6, the 11th Judicial Court set several cases for sentencing.
Laura Jean Anderson, 38, from Calif., faced arraignment on charges of elder abuse, a gross misdemeanor.
DDA Todd Banks represented the State of Nevada. He alleged that on August 24, 2018, Anderson switched off her father’s oxygen machine, intentionally depriving him of air.
At the time of the offense, which occurred in Pershing County, the victim was over sixty.
Anderson pleaded no-contest. She does not admit guilt but thinks the State could prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
For purposes of sentencing, the court treats a no-contest plea the same as a guilty plea.
Anderson could face 364 days in jail, fines of up to $2,000 or a combination of both. Under Nevada law, she may be eligible for probation. The judge sentences her on July 15.
Evalyn Marie Chavez, 21, came to court for a pretrial conference. She faced battery charges of stabbing an individual in the shoulder with a steak knife.
The victim lives in the State of Washington. He and the defendant have children in common.
PD Cochran asked the court to vacate the trial.
Chavez wished to change her plea.
The defendant entered an Alford Plea, pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit battery.
Technically there was no conspiracy, explained the judge. But if the State had been able to prove the felony charges, Chavez could have gone to prison for an extended time.
By pleading guilty to the gross misdemeanor, she faces, at most, a year in jail and is eligible for probation.
Cochran pointed out Chavez’s lack of a criminal record.
The court may require her to pay restitution to the victim.
The judge sentences Chavez on July 1. In the meantime, he appointed a guardian ad litem to facilitate the children’s visitation with their father. The judge also placed Chavez on drug testing protocol.
Veronica Gonzalez faced sentencing for attempted grand larceny, a gross misdemeanor. The victim, present in the courtroom, gave a one-paragraph statement to Judge Shirley to read to the court.
Last fall she won $900 from a Lovelock Chevron slot machine, she began.
“I had the money stolen from my purse by Veronica Gonzalez. The security cameras caught her in the act. I’m on a fixed income, so the money was an opportunity to get my entire family together for a bigger Thanksgiving dinner than we’re used to. I was also going to use that money to pay off debts,” she wrote.
Steve Cochran noted that Gonzalez had no previous arrests or convictions.
“My client stepped up to the plate,” he said. “Based on the lack of prior history and Miss Gonzalez’s acceptance of responsibility we ask for a suspended sentence with discharge from probation upon payment of restitution.”
DDA Banks asked for judicial oversight to ensure prompt payment.
“Those gambling winnings came as a welcome surprise,” he said. “The victim was devastated. The goal is to make her whole from a financial standpoint.”
The judge sentenced the defendant to 180 days in jail, suspended, with probation not to exceed three years. PD Cochran may file a motion for early termination of supervision once she pays restitution.
Gonzalez agreed to pay the victim $150 per month for six months.
Then, she has two months to pay $178 in court fees.
Under the judge’s questioning, Gonzalez admitted to smoking marijuana the day before the sentencing hearing. To safeguard her rights, the judge sent her to the Sheriff’s office for a drug test. He wanted to make sure she could fully comprehend the hearing.
Later the court reconvened to discuss the results.
Since Gonzalez tested positive for meth, alcohol and marijuana, the court set a new sentencing date for early June.
In the meantime, the drug court panel will randomly test the defendant. If she tests positive for methamphetamine or alcohol, the judge authorizes her arrest.
He acknowledged that marijuana stays in the system up to a month but expects Gonzalez’s levels to go down.
“The main thing is to start paying the victim back the money,” said the judge. “And your substance abuse evaluation becomes even more critical.
“I’m sorry,” said Gonzalez. “I want to make things right.”
