Judge Stephanie Boyd accepts pleas, imposes sentences and referrals in morning docket

Judge Stephanie Boyd presided over a busy morning docket in the 187th District courtroom, accepting pleas and imposing sentences in multiple criminal matters.

The court called cause 2026 CR5506 for defendant Liliana Esavl. Defense counsel Joanne Do waived formal reading; Esavl acknowledged reviewing the indictment and plea paperwork and consented to a plea to a lesser-included assault-family-violence misdemeanor. The court accepted the plea, deferred a finding of guilt and placed Esavl on deferred adjudication with conditions including reporting by Zoom or in person, proof of employment within 30 days, a prohibition on working as a home‑health provider for minors, one field visit, 60 hours of community service, restitution, and an anger‑management course. The court also entered an affirmative finding of family violence and ordered no contact with the complaining witness.

The court then called 2025 CR8817 for Ronnie Deus. With defense counsel Ted Wood present, Mr. Deus entered a no-contest plea. The court accepted the state's exhibits, found sufficient evidence, and sentenced him to 15 months in a state jail facility with a $2,000 fine, credit for time served and a no‑contact condition. During sentencing the judge admonished the defendant about alternatives to criminal conduct and noted community resources for food and clothing.

In 2025 CR015806, Roberto Hernandez, represented by David Mlan, pleaded to the lesser-included offense of attempted injury to an elderly person. The court accepted the plea, found sufficient evidence, and sentenced Hernandez to 235 days in the Bear County Jail with a $500 fine; time and money were to run concurrently. The court also entered an affirmative finding of family violence.

The court addressed multiple cause numbers for Angelo Montgomery (including 2026 CR0001382 and 2025 CR015494‑02). Defense counsel Jonathan Alvado confirmed prior competency proceedings and that Montgomery had been restored. Montgomery pleaded no contest; the court imposed a six‑year prison term suspended with two years' probation, a $1,000 probated fine, concurrent terms with other causes, regular UAS testing, and a referral to the Center for Healthcare Services. The court ordered an in‑custody mental‑health evaluation and set a status update for 60 days (August 10).

Judge Boyd found a violation true in cause 2023 CR3050A (Gabriella Sanchez) for supplying alcohol to a minor. Sanchez pleaded true to the violation; the court followed a proposed agreement that includes referral for specialty-court consideration (Espironza court/felony drug court) and, if not accepted, an alternative treatment plan (SAT followed by aftercare).

The remainder of the morning was taken up with docket housekeeping: counsel raised discovery issues, including missing or migrated Axon/Verapik evidence and a helicopter 'eagle' video that defense counsel said required additional review; several matters were reset or continued for jury settings; and the court provided reset forms and set follow-up dates.

"Why do you keep stealing?" Judge Boyd asked during sentencing of one defendant, underscoring the court's admonitions about available social services and the need to avoid reoffending. The morning concluded with multiple status dates and referrals ordered to support supervision and treatment goals.

Next steps: the court set follow-up/status dates (including a 60‑day status for Angelo Montgomery) and directed probation and defense counsel to return with updates or additional documentation as required.