Suspected trafficker pleads not guilty

A Fallon man accused of numerous drug charges including trafficking pleaded not guilty Tuesday in District Court.

Edward Delacruz Allen faces four felony charges — commission of an unauthorized act relating to a controlled substance, trafficking in a controlled substance, 28 grams or more, possession of controlled substance and possession of a schedule I controlled substance — and one gross misdemeanor for allegedly using a dangerous weapon.

Allen was arrested by the Fallon Tribal Police after a traffic stop on Dec. 13. Upon a search, authorities reportedly discovered more than 28 grams of methamphetamine.

On Tuesday, though, Allen answered each count with a not guilty plea and the case was set for a three-day trial starting Jan. 13, 2016.

At his arraignment in December, Allen said he hired Reno attorney Cotter Conway; although on Tuesday he appeared with public defender David Neidert.

Allen was released on his own recognizance, but faces up to life in prison if convicted.

In addition to the suspected drugs, police also reportedly discovered a set of weight gloves with lead in the knuckles.

In other court news —

James Edwin Buff pleaded guilty Tuesday in District Court to one count of battery that constitutes domestic violence, a third offense.

According to court records, Buff punched his ex-girlfriend in the head “multiple times” and caused injuries. He was convicted twice in 2014 for the same charge.

He will be sentenced Aug. 11 and faces one to five years in prison.

A 19-year-old sex offender pleaded guilty for failing to register in Fallon.

Shawn Allen Cuff entered the plea after admitting he did not register as a sex offender after moving to town. He was convicted in 2012 in Oklahoma of lewd molestation and second-degree rape

He will be sentenced Aug. 11.

Troy Jonathan Hicks pleaded guilty to one count of battery that constitutes domestic violence by strangulation.

On April 27, he grabbed his girlfriend by the neck and placed her in a choke hold and lifted her off her feet, which obstructed her breathing, according to court documents.

The charge carries a mandatory prison sentence, which is one to five years. Hicks will be sentenced Aug. 11.

Sarah Hogan tested positive for several drugs including methamphetamine before her court appearance. She was remanded to custody during her sentencing hearing, which was continued until June 9.

She faces a burglary charge and is being held on a $10,000 cash-only bond.

A convicted sex offender pleaded guilty to one count of failure to change address, a second offense.

Edward Barton entered the plea three years after pleading guilty to the same charge in Montana. In addition, he also has active warrants out of Montana and Florida, according to Churchill County prosecutors.

Barton faces one to five years in prison and will be sentenced Aug. 11.