Truck thief ordered to attend drug court

A 22-year-old Gardnerville Ranchos man who admitted stealing a truck for transportation home after he was paroled from prison in Las Vegas was ordered to successfully complete drug court or face jail.

"Ever since I've known you, I've had hope for you," District Judge Dave Gamble told Harley Hook on Sept. 26.

"I still do. I believe there is something inside you that wants to be a good citizen and I hope you let it out," he said.

He suspended a 12-month sentence in Douglas County Jail and placed Hook on two years probation.

He ordered Hook to successfully complete Western Nevada Regional Drug Court and pay $1,592.08 restitution, complete treatment, and maintain employment or education.

Estimating that Hook would be released in six months if sentenced to jail, Gamble elected the drug court which gives officials longer supervision of the defendant.

"You could do six months standing on your head," Gamble said.

Hook said since his arrest for the vehicle theft, he'd had time to think.

"I'm getting too old for these games," he said. "I did some stupid things especially because I just got released from prison. I didn't know Las Vegas and just went right back to drugs.

"I am willing to prove to the community I can be a successful person without drugs," he said. "I am ready to put this behind me."

n A 40-year-old Gardnerville man apologized to his former wife for holding her against her will in their bedroom and trying to force her to have sex.

Speaking through an interpreter, Ismael Pacheco said at his sentencing Sept. 26 he knew what he did was wrong.

"I just want to ask you for forgiveness," he said. "I am very ashamed of what I have done."

The victim testified at the sentencing that the suspect's family blamed her for his arrest and she wanted him to admit his wrongdoing.

His family members attended the sentencing.

"I feel their anger, their hatred of me," she said. "I want him to remind himself that he's here because of what he did, not because of me."

She asked that Pacheco be released from jail so he could be a father to their 6-year-old son. She said she has sole legal and physical custody of the child.

"He (Pacheco) really is a good man and his son knows that. I ask that he be released to continue to be part of his son's life. He comes from a country where men take what they want."

Gamble gave Pacheco credit for 58 days in jail and allowed him to be released.

He was placed on two years probation and ordered to contact immigration officials within 48 hours of his release because he is in the country illegally. Gamble approved supervised visits with the boy and warned Pacheco that if he took the child to Mexico, he would be prosecuted.

"I would never deprive my son of his mother," Pacheco said.

Pacheco must undergo counseling and pay $150 restitution to the victim.

He originally was charged with attempted sexual assault and pleaded guilty to false imprisonment in an agreement with the District Attorney's office.

n A Gardnerville woman pleaded guilty to attempted theft, admitting she took $15,000 from the account of a 78-year-old recently-widowed Bank of America customer.

Janet Lee Turner, 47, faces up to four years in prison and a $5,000 fine at her sentencing Nov. 21. She also is eligible for probation.

According to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Turner was a clerk at the Gardnerville Raley's bank branch when the incident occurred.

She made two unauthorized withdrawals from the victim's account April 7 and April 24.

She allegedly admitted the embezzlement and told her supervisor she had a gambling problem.

The crimes were discovered when the victim's family confronted bank officials over the missing money.

"I'm guilty of stealing money from my employer," Turner told District Judge Dave Gamble on Sept. 26.

Her lawyer, Tod Young, said the bank had reimbursed the victim.

He asked Gamble that time at the sentencing be set aside for testimony from an expert on gambling addictions.

Turner may apply for a deferred sentence so that she can undergo treatment.

Gamble forbid her from gambling and ordered her to stay out of gaming establishments.

"If you are caught, you will be put in custody," he said.