Hayes
A habitual criminal was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Monday.
Thomas Christopher Hayes, 34, was arrested July 8.
According to court documents, Hayes is a habitual criminal having committed crimes in California, Arizona and Nevada, all consisting of theft, identity theft, and drugs.
Hayes was arrested in possession of a stolen vehicle, three credit cards without the card holder’s permission, and forgery of a check in the amount of $1,000. When booked he gave a false identity.
To be convicted as a habitual criminal, someone has to have committed five or six prior qualifying felony convictions. Hayes was automatically charged with a category B felony conviction, which carried a 5-20 year sentence. On top of that, Hayes received 12-30 months each on three other counts of possession of false identity, credit cards, a forged check, and a stolen vehicle, which are to run simultaneously with the 5-20 year sentence. He was given credit for 148 days.
• A man who bit off another’s ear was granted probation Monday.
Christopher Rios, 31, was arrested Dec. 17, 2023, near Leviathan Mine Road after he pushed the victim over.
After the man fell, Rios jumped on him, punched him repeatedly, then bit off part of his ear.
During sentencing, Rios apologized to the victim and his family, stating he was having a mental breakdown and he felt threatened, which led to the attack.
Due to the severity of the battery, Rios was sentenced to the maximum underlying sentence of 24-60 months in prison. The sentence was suspended and he was granted credit for two days. Rios was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $14,855 and must not have contact with the victim.
• A man in possession of methamphetamine faces four years in prison at sentencing.
Salvador Gabriel Parsels was arrested Sept. 18 in possession of methamphetamine.
He is being held without bail pending sentencing, scheduled for Jan. 13, 2025.
• An ex-employee of Harrah’s Casino faces four years in prison for embezzling player points.
Brian David Stup, 36, accumulated more than $3,000 in player points Jan. 7-22 while working at Harrah’s Casino, according to court documents.
Sentencing is scheduled of Jan. 27, 2025.
