Perazzo, Collins facing drug charges

A Fallon man accused of trafficking in hallucinogenic mushrooms appeared this week in Justice Court.

Tyler Perazzo, 25, is charged with two felonies and two misdemeanors after he was arrested Saturday by the Fallon Police Department.

At his arraignment on Wednesday, Perazzo was accused of felony trafficking in a controlled substance, 4-14 grams and one count of offer, attempt or commission of an unauthorized act relating to manufacturing of certain controlled substances.

He also faces misdemeanor charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and battery constituting domestic violence. The court entered a not guilty plea for both misdemeanors until the felony charges are resolved. Public defender Jacob Sommer was appointed to represent Perazzo.

Police responded to Perazzo’s residence at 98 Ferguson St. on a report of domestic violence. According to Churchill County Deputy District Attorney Ben Newman, authorities saw Perazzo with both hands around the neck of Coral Potter.

Upon a search, police discovered psilocybin mushrooms, indoor grow lights, an industrial drier, a humidity controller, a high velocity fan, a carbon air filter and a grain sprawl.

During Wednesday’s hearing, Perazzo said he worked part-time but could not sustain full-time employment due to his bipolar condition.

In addition, he asked to be released on his own recognizance, but was denied. His bail was reduced to $25,000.

In other court news —

Michelle Collins appeared Wednesday and Thursday in Justice Court on numerous drug charges.

Collins was arrested Saturday at Walmart on the suspicion of possessing methadone, hydrocodone, alprazolam and leaving her 8-year-old son alone in the parking lot.

She faces three felony counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count each of possession of schedule I or II controlled substance for purpose of sale and abuse, neglect or endangerment of a child not causing substantial bodily harm.

Methadone is a prescription drug used as a pain reliever and, most notably, used to treat recovering heroin and other opiate addictions. Hydrocodone is also an opium-based pain reliever, while alprazolam is used to treat anxiety.

Collins was appointed Dave Neidert as counsel.