Schurz man guilty of eluding officers

A Schurz man pleaded guilty Tuesday in District Court after failing to stop when contacted by authorities.

Juan Guadalupe Leyva entered the plea to one count of failure to stop upon the signal of an officer. The charge, though, is either a gross misdemeanor or felony — known as a wobbler — with two different penalties.

If sentenced as a gross misdemeanor, Leyva could be sentenced to 364 days in the Churchill County Jail. If sentenced as a felony, he faces one to four years in prison.

Leyva, according to the criminal complaint, fled from Churchill County Sheriff’s deputies on Nov. 2 and reached speeds up to 100 mph.

Initially charged as a failure to stop while driving under the influence, the count was amended. Leyva’s attorney, Dave Neidert, said there is no indication his client was under the influence, hence the altered charge.

After spending more than a month in jail, Leyva was released on his own recognizance and ordered to submit to random alcohol testing from Court Services. He will be sentenced March 4.

In other court news —

Michael Ray Waltman received a suspended sentence Tuesday in District Court for unlawful possession or being under the influence of a controlled substance.

He was ordered to apply for and complete the Western Nevada Regional Drug Court Program. His sentence is 12-32 months and he was placed on probation for up to five years.

Glenn Eugene Thomas faces two to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty Tuesday in District Court to driving under the influence.

He has a prior felony conviction and will be sentenced March 11 and is not eligible for probation.

Caleb Michael Casey pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine).

His sentencing hearing, though, was deferred and Casey was ordered to apply for the Western Nevada Regional Drug Court Program. Should he fail the program, Casey will return to District Court for sentencing.