Fallon teen denied release in kidnapping case

An 18-year old high school student was again denied a release on his own recognizance Thursday in Justice Court.

Joseph Vidra, 18, remains in custody after his request for an OR was denied, although his bond was reduced to $5,000.

The student lives with his girlfriend, who is also the alleged victim in what Churchill County Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford called “serious charges.”

Vidra’s attorney, Jacob Sommer, said his client is in high school, although he is not enrolled at Churchill County High School. Sommer nor Vidra provided any additional information about Vidra’s academic status.

The DA’s claims stem from a suspected kidnapping incident earlier this year.

According to the criminal complaint, Vidra allegedly held the victim in a green Honda with the intent to commit substantial bodily harm. He is also charged with one count of battery constituting domestic violence and will appear for a status hearing on Thursday.

In court, Sommer said his client was seeking the release to return to school and work; however, Justice of the Peace Mike Richards was concerned with an apparent lack of ties to the community.

In other court news —

Miguel Tapia pleaded guilty Tuesday in District Court to one count of reckless driving causing substantial bodily harm.

According to the criminal complaint, on Dec. 30, 2014, Tapia swerved into another lane and collided with Larry Cardoza, who suffered a broken leg.

Alcohol was a factor, according to prosecutors, and Tapia faces one to six years in prison. He will be sentenced May 12.

Surina Clairmont pleaded guilty and was sentenced on one count of possession of a controlled substance.

He received a suspended sentence of 12-32 months in prison and placed on probation for up to five years.

Clairmont was arrested Feb. 4 on an active warrant out of Carson City and when jail deputies there performed a body search, they discovered methamphetamine, according to Churchill County Chief Deputy District Attorney Lane Mills.

Ramona Sanchez entered a guilty plea to one count of driving under the influence, a third offense.

She was arrested Jan. 31 after authorities pulled her over near the intersection of Allen and Sheckler roads.

Sanchez was convicted twice in 2011 — once in Fallon and once in Sparks — of DUI. She faces two to 15 years in prison, although she will apply for the DUI Diversion Program.

Larry French pleaded not guilty to one count of DUI with a prior felony DUI.

He was arrested Sept. 25, 2014, after authorities suspected he was driving under the influence on East Williams Avenue.

French’s trial is scheduled for Aug. 5-7 and had been on house arrest since October.