Batterer set for treatment program

A 24-year-old Gardnerville Ranchos man may avoid six years in prison if he successfully completes a substance abuse program and other conditions of his sentence in connection with the battery of a 26-year-old woman.

Jeremiah Gottas pleaded guilty Monday to coercion in connection with the Feb. 18 incident which left the victim with two black eyes, bruises around her neck and other injuries.

She attended Monday's hearing with family members and friends.

District Judge Michael Gibbons asked her if she agreed to the plea bargain with the district attorney's office.

"I don't want him to rot in jail," she said. "I want him to get help."

Gibbons also agreed to transfer the sentencing to District Judge Dave Gamble because Gibbons said he knows the victim and her family.

The judge said the plea agreement wasn't the issue, but if Gottas failed any terms, he would be brought back for the underlying sentence of up to six years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

He set sentencing for May 13 before Gamble. Prior to that date, Gottas is to undergo in-patient treatment and remain in custody.

If he is successful, prosecutors have agreed to recommend 12-30 months in Nevada State Prison, suspended, and probation.

The suspect, in jail on $10,000 cash bail, was unable to tell Gibbons what he did because he was so intoxicated.

"I don't remember any of it," he said.

Gottas said he read police reports and looked at pictures of the victim.

"I believe she (the victim) would be honest," he said. "She wouldn't fabricate it."

Deputies were called to the Gardnerville Ranchos residence at 11:30 p.m. Feb. 18 by a neighbor who heard the victim screaming.

Officers heard banging and shouting through the window and ordered Gottas several times to open the door before he complied.

The victim was standing behind him with her face covered in blood. Gottas was holding a knife, according to officers.

The victim had two black eyes, a bruised jaw and a cut on her arm.

She told deputies that Gottas broke his cell phone and became enraged when he tried to warm up coffee and the microwave didn't work.

She said despite efforts to calm him, Gottas began breaking items in the kitchen, and blocked her when she tried to leave.

He grabbed her cell phone and threw it when she tried to call 911.

As she tried to leave the residence, the woman said Gottas grabbed her by the hair, and threw her to the floor.

She said he straddled her, punched her in the face, and choked her nearly to unconsciousness.

Other terms of the agreement include no contact with the victim, abstinence from drugs and alcohol, anger management counseling and $2,500-$3,000 restitution for the woman's medical expenses.