Uriel Pena Castellanos, of Grass Valley, came to court for a sentencing hearing. He previously pleaded guilty to grand larceny of livestock.
Kyle Swanson defended Castellanos. Chris Houghton translated all the courtroom proceedings into Spanish, Castellanos’ native language.
The court rescheduled the sentencing because a potential victim came forward that morning with a restitution claim. Her late husband had purchased one of the rustled cattle. The judge continued the hearing until Nov. 4 to protect the victim’s rights.
Gina Maria Garcia came to court on Oct. 2, represented by Kyle Swanson. She appeared before Senior District Court Judge Robert E. Estes for sentencing on charges of obtaining money by false pretenses, a felony.
Garcia admitted that on Jan. 20, 2018, she cashed a $907.80 check. However, according to court records, it had already been deposited into her bank account. Garcia faced the possibility of one to six years in prison, fines of up to $10,000 or a combination of both.
Judge Shirley recused himself from the case since he knows the defendant as a former employee of the 11th Judicial Court.
Judge Estes sentenced Garcia to five years of probation with an underlying sentence of 12 to 36 months in prison.
Garcia agreed to pay $907.80 in restitution to Big Wheel Casino.
