As per Lt. Don Lininger last Monday March 5, West Wendover police officers answered a call at the Montego Bay hotel and casino about a guest that possibly used a stolen credit card. Linda Kennicker 45, from Salt Lake City Utah was identified by security guards after they received a report of someone using a stolen card to complete transactions within the casino. Kennicker admitted to officers that she had used the card to purchase a meal, items in the gift shop and attempts to gain cash at an ATM. Kennicker was also found to be in possession of a small quantity of methamphetamines and a glass pipe used for ingesting the drug. Kennicker was taken into custody without incident.
Also from Utah, February 28, West Wendover officers responded to the Montego Bay casino for a medical on a person from Orem. Officers learned that Travis Oppel was found by security guards on the floor in a restroom stall. The guards observed an item of drug paraphernalia and powder on the floor near Oppel. Oppel was checked by medical personnel and then interviewed by officers. Oppel was later taken into custody for unlawful possession of a schedule I narcotic and drug paraphernalia.
According to Lt. Don Lininger last February 23rd, West Wendover Police were called to the Rainbow Casino to investigate a “suspicious circumstance”. A Utah woman who tried to cash a fake check at the casino fled from the police in the parking lot, but was captured when she tripped and fell to the ground.
Officers soon learned that Elizabeth N. Weight, 32, of Provo had attempted to cash a business check at the Rainbow. When the cashier took the check to verify it, Weight left. “The check was found to be counterfeit,” Lininger said. He added that the officers also located methamphetamine and heroin on Elizabeth during their regular search incident before arrest.
Weight was arrested on charges of obtaining or using another person’s ID for harmful or unlawful purposes; use or possession of drug paraphernalia; forgery; delivering, selling, possessing or manufacturing drug paraphernalia; possessing a drug not for interstate commerce; and trafficking a controlled substance.
Elko County Jail listed her bail at $281,780.
March 4, 2018
Fidel Valdez 33, West Wendover Nv, Hands Free Device
On March 4, 2018, West Wendover officers stopped Valdez for operating a vehicle while using a cell phone. During the stop the officer became suspicious that Valdez was operating the vehicle while under the influence. Field sobriety testing was conducted which resulted in Valdez being taken into custody. Valdez was booked for using the cell phone while driving. Further review of a possible driving under the influence charge will be conducted after evidentiary results are received from a blood draw.
March 3, 2018
Jose Lopez 43, West Wendover Nv, DUI
On March 3, 2018, Lopez contacted West Wendover officers by flashing his headlamps at an officer while driving on Wendover Boulevard. Lopez wanted to file a theft report with the officer resulting from an earlier incident between him and a female at the Montego Bay. While speaking with Lopez the officer suspected that he was operating his vehicle while under the influence. Lopez performed field sobriety testing poorly and was taken into custody for driving under the influence.
The theft report by Lopez could not be further investigated as the property reported missing kept changing and a description of the suspect and location was not provided.
February 28, 2018
Gabriel Palafox 35, West Wendover Nv, Domestic Battery
On February 28, 2018, West Wendover officers responded to a residence on a report of a domestic violence incident. Officers learned that two adult brothers were involved in a physical confrontation. The victim of the incident received minor injuries that did not require medical attention. Palafox was taken into custody for suspicion of domestic battery.
Andres Garcia-Botello 21, West Wendover Nv, Domestic Battery
On February 28, 2018, West Wendover officers responded to a residence on a report of a domestic violence incident. The victim explained that her boyfriend, identified as Garcia-Botello had became angry and grabbed her near the neck while pushing her into a corner. Garcia-Botello had left the area prior to police arrival but was located a short time later. After interviews were conducted Garcia-Botello was taken into custody for suspicion of domestic battery.
February 26, 2018
Jesse Odekirk 27, Salt Lake City Ut, Warrant
On February 26, 2018, West Wendover officers located Jesse Odekirk at the Montego Bay Casino during a welfare check. Odekirk made statements to family members that made them worry he might harm himself. Odekirk was contacted and found to have a warrant for his arrest. Odekirk was taken into custody without incident. Odekirk did not make any statements regarding harming himself to officers and believed it was a misunderstanding due to an argument he had with a girlfriend.
February 25, 2018
Jess Jones 50, West Valley Ut, DUI
On February 25, 2018, West Wendover officers stopped a vehicle in the 2000 block of Gold Street for a traffic violation. The driver was identified as Jess Jones. During interviews the officer began to suspect that Jones was driving the vehicle while under the influence. Jones performed field sobriety testing poorly and was taken into custody without incident.
February 24, 2018
Hayden Stranc 22 Draper, Trespass
On February 24, 2018, West Wendover officers assisted Red Garter security with removing Hayden Stranc from their property. Stranc was given a citation and warned that if he returned he would be arrested. Stranc returned to the Red Garter later this same date. Stranc was taken into custody without incident for trespassing.
Marissa Swanenberg 26, West Valley Ut, DUI
On February 24, 2018, West Wendover officers assisted another agency who had stopped a vehicle for traffic violations in the 300 block of Wendover Boulevard. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Marissa Sharice Swanenberg. During interviews officers began to suspect that Swanenberg was operating the vehicle while under the influence. Swanenberg performed field sobriety testing poorly and was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence.
February 21, 2018
Nicko Allen Correa 26, Midvale Ut, Domestic Battery
On February 21, 2018 West Wendover officers responded to the Montego Bay Hotel to investigate a domestic violence incident. Officers learned that Nicko Correa had gotten into a disagreement with his brother. Nicko allegedly struck his brother several times causing minor injuries. Nicko was taken into custody for suspicion of domestic battery. The victim refused medical treatment.
