LAKEPORT— Nickelina Rose Williams. 39, of Fallon, Nevada, was arrested by California Highway Patrol (CHP) last October after being suspected of starting a fire along Highway 29 in Lake County. The defendant remains in custody and recently appeared remotely for another review hearing.
A wildfire was reported along Highway 29 Oct. 13, 2021 and CHP responded to the scene, where a group of motorists were attempting to put out the fire.
An officer at the scene noticed Williams walking southbound on Highway 29, away from the fire’s initial ignition. She denied knowing about the fire, yet an officer located a lighter and ignition material matching evidence that was located at the fire.
The Lake County Superior Court, on its own motion, ordered the hearing be continued to April 5, 2022 at 9 a.m. in Department 3 to confirm the defendant has been transported to the Department of State Hospitals (DSH).
In December of last year, during a placement hearing, the Court ordered the defendant be committed/transported to the DSH for inpatient treatment.
The Court authorized the treatment facility may involuntarily administer anti-psychotic medications as prescribed by the defendant’s treating psychiatrist.
Last year, the defendant’s court appointed attorney, Sterling Thayer, Jr., declared doubt as to the defendant’s mental competency to stand trial. At that time the court ordered the proceedings suspended and ordered Dr. Taylor Fithian and Dr. Luigi Piciucco appointed to evaluate the defendant and prepare a report regarding the defendant’s mental competency to stand trial.
After the doctors’ reports were submitted, the Court found Williams was incompetent to stand trial. The doctors’ reports were submitted into evidence and the matter was referred to the Community Program Director for a placement recommendation.
During that placement hearing, the Court received, read and considered the placement report from the Community Program Director/Designee, with care being provided through CONREP.
CONREP is a Conditional Release Program governed by the California Department of State Hospitals. It is a statewide system of community based services which treats patients with various commitment types – Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity, Incompetent to Stand Trial, Mentally Disordered Offenders and some parolees who have been released to outpatient status.
CONREP was mandated as a California State responsibility in 1984 and began operating in 1986. Patients have typically experienced lengthy hospital stays and, in some cases, served full prison sentences.
CONREP’s goal is to ensure public protection in California communities while providing an effective and standardized outpatient treatment system.
The defendant has been charged with felony arson of forest land, felony arson during a state of emergency and possessing material/device for arson.
During a hearing last year, Williams advised the Court that her true and correct name is Nickelina Rosa Sillifant. The charging document was amended on its face to reflect an AKA of Nickelina Rosa Sillifant.
Williams remains in custody at the Lake County jail with bail set at $35,000.
The defendant also has separate charges of vehicle theft and buying/selling/receiving stolen property in a separate Lake County matter.
