An evidentiary hearing is planned toward the end of the year for a 31-year-old Topaz Ranch Estates man on probation in Douglas County, who may faces charges in Lyon County.
Steven Walter Cozad is in Douglas County Jail on allegations of probation violation even though he hasn’t been charged in Lyon County.
His lawyer, Kris Brown, said it’s not certain if Cozad is going to be charged in Lyon County.
“Mr. Cozad continues to deny the Lyon County charges,” she said.
He is accused in Lyon County of possession of drug paraphernalia, destruction of another’s property, burglary and possession of burglary tools stemming from a Sept. 28 incident.
If his probation is revoked, Cozad faces a three-year prison sentence in Douglas County. He pleaded guilty to stealing copper from a Foothill Road ranch in March, and received a suspended sentence.
Cozad was also convicted of misdemeanor burning trash, waste, rubbish or toxic material in June.
He was ordered to pay $556,759 in restitution for the May 22, 2012, fire that destroyed two homes, several outbuildings and vehicles that started in Topaz Ranch Estates.
Prosecutor Erik Levin requested half a day for the evidentiary hearing, which District Michael Gibbons said was “essentially trying a Lyon County case here in Douglas County.”
Brown said her client wanted to undergo inpatient substance abuse treatment while he’s awaiting the hearing.
Gibbons said if Cozad is admitted to treatment, he would delay the hearing until Cozad completes the program.
