Trial set for alleged gun theft

A Fallon man accused of stealing eight guns entered a not guilty plea Tuesday in District Court.

Stephen Charles Cheek faces nine felony counts stemming from a Nov. 30, 2012, incident where authorities allege he aided Raymond King in the theft. A trial was scheduled for March 10, but the defense and prosecution agreed to a continuance. A new date has not been set.

Cheek faces eight counts of principal to the crime of grand larceny of a firearm and one count of principal to burglary.

He and King are suspected of entering a residence on Old River Road with the intent to steal five rifles, two shotguns and one pistol.

In other court news —

Timothy Gerald Watson pleaded guilty Tuesday in District Court to one count of possession of a controlled substance.

Proceedings were suspended and Watson will apply to Drug Court.

Watson was arrested recently in possession of methamphetamine. If he does not successfully complete Drug Court, Watson will return to District Court for sentencing.

Michael Thomas Berry was sentenced to 364 days in jail after he pleaded guilty to one count conspiracy to commit conversion of rented or leased personal property valued at $3,500 or more.

According to the criminal complaint, Berry failed to return a rented Pontiac Grand Am from Able Auto Rentals and Sales on Jan. 11, 2013. Berry did not return the vehicle and continued to keep the car after the company called for its return.

His time will run concurrent to a sentence out of the Third Judicial District Court in Lyon County.

Andrew Fostenio Torres was scheduled for trial after he pleaded not guilty to one count of battery that constitutes domestic violence committed by strangulation.

He is accused of placing the mother of his child in a choke hold and placing his hand over her mouth preventing her from breathing.

The trial is slated for Oct. 14-17.

Kiona Elissa Baltazar-Abe entered an Alford plea to one count of conspiracy to commit a violation of an extended court order restricting stalking or harassment, a gross misdemeanor.

On Nov. 26, 2013, Baltazar-Abe and an unidentified person entered a building on Soda Lake Road and violated a protection order.

She will be sentenced April 29 and faces up to 364 days in the Churchill County Jail.