A former University of Nevada men’s basketball player was given another chance to respond to his attorney’s phone calls.
Ronnie Edwards Stevens Jr. pleaded guilty in July and was sentenced to Drug Court in the Tenth Judicial District Court for heroin possession. He entered the plea after his arrest on June 18 by the North Central Narcotics Task Force.
According to court documents, Stevens was sentenced to three years probation and must complete the Western Nevada Regional Drug Court. If he completes the program, which is between one to three years, the felony case will be dismissed.
Public defender Peter Smith, though, said Tuesdays in court he has attempted to reach Smith numerous times without success. Judge Tom Stockard said Stevens was sent to Drug Court but never attended.
“I don’t have an excuse of his failure to attend,” Smith said.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Lane Mills said parole and probation in California, which took over supervision on an interstate compact, knew Stevens didn’t attend.
Stockard expects Stevens to be in court later this month.
“If he is not here, it is very likely the court will issue a bench warrant,” Stockard said.
In other court news ….
Torri Anne Gibbs pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a controlled substance, a category E felony. She admitted to possessing methamphetamine.
She faces a one-to-four sentence in prison and a fine not to exceed $5,000. Court testimony indicated Gibbs is eligible for a drug diversion program.
Public defender David Neidert said he would like to see her have a drug evaluation.
Garrett Steve Carter received probation for a count of manufacture, importation, possession or use of a danger weapon or silencer, a gross misdemeanor. The defendant possessed metal knuckles.
His fine of $2,000 was suspended except for $500.
Kevin Scott Lankford, who had previously pleaded guilty to obscene exposure, was given probation not to exceed three years.
Michael Joseph Hart was removed from drug court and also did not complete the Regimental Discipline Program Boot Camp. According to his public defender, Hart signed a paper not willing to participate.
He must complete a 180-day sentence in Churchill County Jail for a previous conviction. After release, he will be placed on probation for no more than five years. Stockard suspended his 19-48-month sentence for possessing a controlled substance.
Teresa Anne McCoy had her bail reset for $100,000, cash only, and she will reappear in court in December. She had pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine on April 15.
She faces one to four years in the Nevada State Prison and a fine not to exceed $5,000.