Fallon man to undergo psych eval

A 33-year-old Fallon man is facing numerous felony charges stemming from allegedly violating a temporary protection order, battery by a prisoner and drug use.

Michael Jacob Casey appeared Thursday in Justice Court and was appointed public defender Jacob Sommer as counsel on a trio of felony charges.

On Wednesday, Churchill County prosecutors filed three felonies — two counts of battery by a prisoner in custody and one count of escape.

According to the complaint, Casey punched two sheriff’s deputies and then attempted to flee from jail. He allegedly punched one deputy in the chest, chased him and punched him in the head. The other deputy was struck in the eye, according to court records.

Sommer also represents Casey in another case, which was heard Tuesday in District Court, for allegedly violating the order. In that hearing, Casey was ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation at Lakes Crossing in Sparks.

Sommer said in court he doubts his clients competency and the report is needed before engaging in negotiations with Chief Deputy DA Lane Mills.

As a result of the order for an evaluation, all cases in Justice Court have been stayed until the report is filed with attorneys and the court. Sommer said it would be about one month before the report is filed.

Casey is accused of the violations, which stem from an ordered issued in February after Michael Aneas Casey, Michael Jacob Casey’s father, filed the paperwork in Justice Court.

Michael Aneas Casey’s first statement to the court in his application for a protection order stated his son was high on meth and threated to “splatter” him over the wall.

The feud, according to Michael Aneas Casey, is from a dispute over Michael Jacob Casey moving cattle off their ranch during the winter.

Michael Aneas Casey’s letter also said his son believes drugs allow him to use more of his brain, meth should be legalized and he has the right to kill and bury people.

The criminal complaints, meanwhile, alleges Michael Jacob Casey violated the order at least four times in addition to being arrested for being under the influence of methamphetamine twice on May 19 and June 27.

In addition, Casey is accused of violating the protection order on May 19, June 18 and 27 and July 27.

Casey has six felony cases pending, although he will not appear in court for at least one month. He has a no bail hold from District Court until he visits Lakes Crossing and a $500,000 bond issued by Justice Court.

If convicted of all counts, Casey faces at least nine years in prison with a possible maximum term of 72 years.