Probation revoked after two-state crime spree

A 27-year-old Carson City man who stole cars in two states after he absconded from probation was ordered Tuesday to serve six years in Nevada State Prison, consecutive to a similar term imposed in Washoe County.

Daniel Mondragon, serving up to 15 years in prison on a Carson City charge, told District Judge David Gamble he doesn't know why he absconded, stole vehicles and led officers on high-speed chases in California and Oregon before he was caught.

"I don't know why. I just did," he said.

Gamble revoked Mondragon's probation on a Douglas County check-kiting charge.

"Mr. Mondragon understands the court is going to revoke his probation," said lawyer Derrick Lopez.

At issue was whether the prison terms would be concurrent or consecutive.

Mondragon still faces charges in Lyon County and Oregon.

Mondragon was returned to Nevada in July and sentenced in September on the Carson City charge.

Gamble ordered the Douglas sentence served consecutive to the Washoe County charge. He also ordered Mondragon to pay $561.05 restitution on the original bad check charges.

Gamble gave Mondragon a suspended sentence a year ago, but warned him he would go to prison if he violated his probation.

"The state would have to prove you violated which would probably take about 30 seconds," Gamble said Tuesday.

Mondragon was accused of using a stolen credit card and checks to purchase items at local stores and to obtain money fraudulently as part of a counterfeit check ring in Douglas and Washoe counties and Carson City.

Mondragon also pleaded guilty to passing of fake checks at several Carson City casinos between November 2006 and January 2007, estimated at more than $5,000.