Fallon man pleads not guilty to battery counts

A Fallon man appeared Tuesday in District Court on four felony charges stemming from a domestic incident in March.

Thomas Henry Week, 49, pleaded not guilty on counts of coercion with the use of physical force, preventing a victim from reporting a crime, battery with a deadly weapon causing substantial bodily harm and battery causing harm.

According to the criminal complaint, Week is suspected of using a belt to strangle Shawn Osborne after an argument on March 7. In addition, Week is alleged to have put his hand over her mouth to prevent Osborne from screaming and the neighbors hearing the cries.

On March 9, the two engaged in another argument at their residence on Cora Way. Week allegedly kicked Osborne in the arm, which caused a bruise, and as she attempted to leave the home, Week tackled her and broke her collarbone in three places. He also removed the battery from Osborne’s cellphone to prevent her from calling 911.

According to the police report, Week was afraid if Osborne called the authorities, he would “get in trouble.”

In court, Week’s attorney, Dave Neidert, asked for his client’s release with a condition of no contact with the alleged victim.

Churchill County Chief Deputy District Attorney Lane Mills, however, objected to the request. He said Week violated a court-approved restraining order twice, which was filed to protect the alleged victim.

Judge Tom Stockard denied the request and Week remains in custody on $118,140 bond.

The trial is scheduled for Dec. 1-5 and if convicted, Week faces four to 30 years in prison and up to $30,000 in fines.

In other court news —

Jana Renee Coker received a suspended sentence Tuesday in District Court.

She was placed on probation for up to five years, although if she violates the terms could face 24-60 months in prison.

Coker pleaded guilty to selling a total of 13.1 grams of methamphetamine in two transactions near the Churchill County Youth Softball Fields.

She pleaded guilty to one count of offer, attempt or commission of a controlled substance with an addition enhancement charge of near a park or school.

Ian Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty to one count of statutory sexual seduction, a gross misdemeanor. An addition charged was dismissed as part of his plea deal.

Fitzpatrick, 18, had sex with a girl under 16 and faces up to 364 days in the Churchill County Jail. He will also be required to register as a sex offender for at least 15 years.

Robert Dean Hesselgesser appeared Thursday in Justice Court on drug charges.

He is charged with one count of possession of a controlled substance (meth), a felony, and two misdemeanor counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, trespassing and petit larceny.

He was appointed attorney Dave Neidert and is scheduled for a status hearing June 5.