NOTABLE PROSECUTIONS
JUSTICE
FOR ALL
As a career prosecutor, DA Hicks has personally represented the people of Nevada in some of the State’s most high profile prosecutions.
Wilber Ernesto Martinez Guzman – Over a 6-day span in 2019, Guzman violently murdered 4 people in their homes in northern Nevada. His first two victims Connie Koontz and Sophia Renkin lived in Gardnerville. His next victims Sherry and Jerry David were murdered in south Reno. On the eve of trial, Guzman pled guilty to all charges. He will be sentenced to 4 consecutive life sentences in prison.
James Michael Biela – Biela sexually assaulted and kidnapped two University of Nevada students and murdered Brianna Denison after abducting her from a home located near the campus. Biela was sentenced to the death penalty.
Chaz Higgs – Higgs, a critical care nurse, poisoned his wife Kathy Augustine who was Nevada’s elected State Controller and a candidate for State Treasurer at the time of her death. He was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.
District Attorney Hicks is well-known for his integrity and conviction as he pursues justice for the citizens of Washoe County.
Since DA Hicks’ election, many meaningful and significant prosecutions have occurred that highlight his office’s commitment to community safety and justice under his leadership. Below are just a few:
​
Valentin Anthony Corrales – Corrales sexually abused 6 different girls starting at approximately 6-7 years of age for over two decades. In the largest sexual child abuse prosecution ever tried in Washoe County, Corrales was found guilty by a jury and sentenced to 39 life sentences.
​
Cathy Woods – In a case that highlights the role a prosecutor plays in ensuring justice is served, DA Hicks dismissed murder charges against Woods upon DNA exoneration, freeing her after serving decades in prison for the mistaken conviction for the 1976 murder of UNR student Michelle Mitchell.
​
Jason Brown – Brown methodically tortured and dismembered 7 dogs, some of which were puppies. He was sentenced to the maximum sentence of 28 years in prison, the largest animal cruelty sentence ever sought and received in Washoe County.
​
Kelsie Hoover (Stolen Valor) – Hoover was prosecuted for several Burglary and Fraud charges, including falsely claiming decorated and disabled combat veteran status to gain benefits. Hoover was sentenced to 20 years in prison with parole eligibility after 7 years are served.
​
Roberto Ramirez – Ramirez committed multiple robberies of elderly victims in their own homes including one 74-year-old man who was severely beaten, bound, gagged and repeatedly tasered at gunpoint. He was found guilty at trial and received life in prison without the possibility of parole.
​
Timothy Randell – Randell forced his way into his victims’ home armed with a pistol. He bound the victims and repeatedly sexually assaulted a 16-year-old female within earshot of her boyfriend and father. After the assaults, he strangled the victim and her boyfriend to unconsciousness and attempted to set the home on fire. Upon conviction, Randell received 3 life sentences without the possibility of parole.