Former sheriff’s deputy found guilty in bench trial

Royce Avena, a former deputy with the Nye County Sheriff’s Office, was found guilty on Wednesday by Judge Ron Kent of misdemeanor stalking and coercion after a bench trial in Pahrump Justice Court.

Avena is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 18, 2015 at 1:30 p.m.

Avena was arrested on Dec. 5 and charged with domestic battery, stalking, burglary and false imprisonment after police were dispatched to the victim’s residence regarding a physical altercation at around 6:10 p.m.

According to a report, the victim said to police that Avena came to her home around 4:30 p.m. and started banging on the front door.

When the victim refused to open the door, Avena allegedly forced the sliding glass door open and entered the home.

After gaining entry into the home, Avena confronted the victim about allegations of a personal nature and forced her into the master bedroom of the home.

The victim, in an attempt to get away from him, struck Avena in the face, a police report states.

A police report from the sheriff’s office noted that the victim and Avena were living in separate residences and he was not on the lease agreement and did not have keys to the victim’s home.

According to the victim, Avena had previously forced his way into her home but she did not report it because she feared it would jeopardize Avena’s employment with the sheriff’s office.

When police spoke to Avena, he reportedly admitted that he forcibly entered the victim’s home without permission.

There is no court date set at this time for the battery/domestic violence charge.