Woman waives hearing in fentanyl case

One of two women involved in an October drug sting that resulted in five deputies being hospitalized after exposure to fentanyl waived her preliminary hearing and will be arraigned in district court.

Regina Rojas, 35, from Rancho Cordova, Calif., appeared in Tahoe Township Justice Court with attorney Martin Hart.

Rojas’ co-defendant Jessica Thomas, 32, is scheduled to return to Tahoe Township Justice Court on Dec. 13 with attorney Brian Filter.

According to court documents, Oct. 20 was the final drug purchase of three. The first on June 2 involved the purchase of 10 ounces of fentanyl for $10,000.

On July 20, the pair allegedly sold 5 ounces of fentanyl in a modified water bottle for $5,000. The Oct. 20 deal involved 5.25 ounces for $6,000 at the Roundhill Safeway.

Rojas had just opened the trunk of a Chevrolet sedan at around 7:15 p.m. when the signal was given to make the arrest.

One of the women allegedly had a baggie of multi-colored powder on her and tried to give it to the cooperating source before stuffing it under the car’s seat, according to court documents.

During booking, somehow the drugs got loose, and five deputies had to be taken for medical treatment. Another five, and the Tahoe Jail, had to be decontaminated.

Waiving a preliminary hearing is not an admission of guilt. Rojas could deny the multiple drug felonies she’s facing at arraignment and a trial date would be set.

• A California man with a long history of driving under the influence faces up to 2-15 years in prison at his Feb. 7, 2023, sentencing.

Sean Michael Britton, 53, admitted to DUI with a prior felony in Douglas County District Court on Tuesday.

Under a negotiated conditional plea agreement, attorneys will recommend that Britton receive 2-5 years.

Judge Tod Young said that under the agreement, Britton could withdraw his plea and go to trial should his sentence be different from the agreement.

Britton was arrested Dec. 27, 2021. He has prior convictions in Shasta County, Calif., in 2008, 2012 and 2014. In Nevada, a third DUI in seven years is a felony and any DUI after conviction of a felony DUI retains a much more serious punishment.

• A $10,000 warrant for a Reno man accused of felony domestic battery told a judge he couldn’t come to court in person because he couldn’t find a ride.

Scott Claude York, 42, is accused of seriously injuring a woman during an argument at a Stateline Hotel on Jan. 10.

He appeared virtually at Tahoe Township Justice Court on Tuesday and told Judge Richard Glasson he didn’t have a vehicle or a means to appear in court. After a short break, York signed off before court resumed and attorney Max Stovall said he called York three times.

Glasson issued a warrant and ordered the $5,000 York posted forfeited.

• A man who unlawfully took a vehicle without the owner’s permission faces 365 days in jail. According to court documents, James Louis Malone, 47, admitted to stealing his sister’s 2010 Subaru Forester Monday. The crime is being charged as a misdemeanor. Sentencing is set for Dec. 12.