District Attorney Chris Hicks is providing an update on several recent cases within the DA’s Office.
“Every successful prosecution sends a clear message: violent crime, predatory behavior, and repeat offending will be met with accountability.” Hicks said. “Our prosecutors work every day to protect victims, uphold the law, and keep the people of Reno and Washoe County safe.”
Eddie Lao-Rodriguez (dob 7/27/86) has been convicted of Battery with the Use of a Deadly Weapon and Own or Possess a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. In September of last year, officers with Reno Police were called to Renown on the report of someone having been shot. The victim told police that he had been visiting a friend, Lao-Rodriguez, when Lao-Rodriguez shot him. The man had gone to visit the defendant to discuss vehicles and finances, which turned into an argument. Lao-Rodriguez went inside his house and told the victim he was getting a cigarette. When he came back outside, the defendant brought with him a Ruger 10/22 rifle and shot the victim in the legs from behind. The victim ran, and Lao-Rodriguez continued to shoot, chasing him. At the scene, officers found the gun and corresponding fired and unfired cartridges throughout the house and yard. Sentencing is set for May 26th, before the Honorable Kathleen Drakulich, with Deputy District Attorney Rebecca Koss. Lao-Rodriguez faces up to 16 years in prison.
Ryan Mastelotto (dob 3/31/96) has been sentenced to 20 years in prison with parole eligibility in 8 years, after he attacked a 78-year-old RTC driver in February of 2025. Video from the bus showed Mastelotto had been sitting at the back of the bus when he walked up to the driver and asked him to stop. After the driver pulled the bus over, the defendant said he changed his mind and wanted to be taken to the next bus stop. Again, the driver complied, and again, Mastelotto said he decided he wanted to go to the next stop. At that point, the driver told Mastelotto he needed to get off the bus. The defendant then attacked the victim, hitting him in the head and knocking him to the ground where he repeatedly hit, kicked, and stomped on the man. Mastelotto then drove the bus a short distance before cursing at the victim on the ground and leaving. The driver was taken to the hospital with multiple fractured ribs and jaw and trauma to his head and face. DDA Whitney Digesti represented the State in the case. The Honorable David Hardy imposed the maximum sentence.
Leshone Lee (dob 5/16/94) has been sentenced to 30 years in prison with parole eligibility after 10 years, after he was convicted of two counts of Robbery. In November of 2024, officers with the Reno Police Department responded to a report of a robbery. The victim told police he had been at some local casinos earlier the prior evening, where he met Lee. The two men became friendly, decided to go grab some breakfast, and Lee offered to drive. Lee led the victim down an alley and abruptly punched the victim in the face and knocked him to the ground. The defendant then robbed the man of $1,400 in cash and ran away. Two weeks later, a second victim contacted RPD, saying he had been robbed. Video surveillance inside a local casino showed Lee and the man chatting and then leaving together. Again, Lee attacked the victim and stole $440 from him before running. Deputy District Attorney Lorena Valencia represented the State in this case. The Honorable Lynne Jones imposed the sentence, commenting on how calculated the robberies were.
Moises Mancillas (dob 6/16/89) has been sentenced as a Habitual Criminal with his 6th felony conviction for Eluding. In October of last year, RPD noticed a car that had been reported as stolen at a local convenience store with Mancillas in the driver’s seat. When the officers tried to block the car in the lot and turned on their lights, Mancillas rammed into the patrol car and then took off, going about 80mph. After chasing the car, officers had to stop their pursuit due to safety concerns. Later, officers with the Regional Gang Unit found the car abandoned. Two days later, they were able to find the defendant and arrest him. DDA Yu Meng argued for a habitual sentence enhancement, as well as 12.5 years in prison. The Honorable Egan Walker imposed the sentence requested by the State.
Eddie-Lao-Rodriguez
Ryan Mastelotto
Leshone Lee
Moises Mancillas
