On Jan. 13, 2025, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit launched an investigation into the theft of a handgun from an elderly Lyon County resident.
The operation spanned two days, resulting in multiple arrests and the recovery of the stolen firearm. During the course of the investigation, detectives arrested several individuals for active warrants, possession of controlled substances, and other criminal offenses. The primary suspect in the firearm theft was located and arrested on Jan. 14, 2025.
A search warrant executed at a residence in Stagecoach, Nev., led to the recovery of the stolen handgun.
Authorities also discovered nine additional firearms, two individuals hiding in the residence who had outstanding felony arrest warrants, and various other prohibited items. In total, six people were arrested during the course of the investigation:
Matthew Cook, 36, Carson City: Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm, Grand Larceny of a Firearm (Elderly victim), Transfer of a Firearm to a Prohibited Possessor
George Shepard, 43, Stagecoach: Prohibited Person (Convicted Felon) in Possession of a Firearm (7 Counts). Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Possession of a Firearm without a Serial Number, Possession of a Silencer, Possession of Parts to Modify Semi-Automatic Firearms, Possession of a Short Barrel Rifle, Violate Conditions of Parole or Probation
Eric Shepard – 41, Stagecoach: Fugitive from Justice – Felony Warrants from Idaho and Minnesota (Drug Possession), Obstructing/Resisting
Johnathan Wilson, 43, Stagecoach: failure to Appear – Malicious Killing of Wild Horse & Torture/Kill an Animal, Obstructing/Resisting
Sharla Smith, 41, Silver Springs: Possession of Controlled Substance, Destroy/Conceal Evidence, Driving on Suspended License
Matthew Treanor, 26, Stagecoach: Fail to Appear on Traffic Citation (Misdemeanor).
The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office commends the efforts of its Special Investigations Unit and other involved personnel for their commitment to ensuring community safety and recovering stolen property.
This remains an ongoing investigation, anyone who has information regarding this case is urged to contact the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division by email at detective@lyon-county.org or by phone at 775-463-6600.
