Grandson to be tried in connection with missing Silver Springs woman

A missing Silver Springs woman's grandson will be tried on charges connected to her disappearance, a Sacramento judge determined Tuesday.

Sacramento Deputy District Attorney Kerry Blackburn said a hearing Tuesday determined there was enough evidence to try James Masterson, 22, on felony charges of auto theft and possession of a stolen vehicle, heroin and stolen credit cards.

Lyon County Sheriff's Lt. Brian Veil, leading the Lyon County case into the disappearance of Peggy Herlacher, was subpoenaed to testify at the Sacramento hearing.

Masterson has been in custody since his arrest in Sacramento on July 25 - driving his grandmother's car and in possession of her jewelry and credit cards - a day after Herlacher, 73, was reported missing by her son.

According to Lyon County investigators, Masterson had arrived at Herlacher's Silver Springs home on July 17 with plans to live there.

He has refused to speak with investigators concerning her whereabouts, said Veil.

Masterson is suspected in her disappearance, according to officials.

Searches of the desert near Herlacher's home and the highway leading to Fernley by the Lyon County Sheriff's Office and Herlacher's family have come up empty.

Last week a Lyon County judge signed an arrest warrant for Masterson on charges of felony car theft and obtaining a credit card without cardholder's consent.

Lyon County District Attorney Bob Auer said more charges are likely.

Blackburn said Masterson, who is fighting extradition back to Nevada, will not return until his California charges are "resolved."

He will be arraigned in Sacramento on Aug. 30.

Lyon County detectives are asking anyone with information or who may have spotted Masterson, Herlacher or her 2000 white Chevy Cavalier between July 22 and 25 to call 775-577-5096.

Veil said Masterson likely drove from Silver Springs to Fernley on Highway 95 Alternate, then to Sacramento on Interstate 80.

Tips can be called into the Lyon County dispatch at 775- 463-6620 or the Detective Division at 775-577-5096.

Secret Witness will pay up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals committing crimes. If you have any information, call 775-322-4900 to leave an anonymous tip and become eligible for the reward.