Woman may pick prison over drug court

A former South Lake Tahoe resident will remain in jail while law enforcement officials determine whether she should go to prison.

Jessica J. McKercher, 32, participated in a forgery ring as a check casher. She cashed one $1,500 check at Stateline and others in Carson City and Reno.

She was ordered to participate in Western Regional Drug Court as a condition of her probation.

McKercher was taken into custody on Oct. 16 after she informed the drug court she was no longer interested in participating.

"She is having a hard time finding a job," defense attorney Tod Young said. "It's been hard for her to deal with that. She's said she just wants to go to prison and do her time."

Judge Michael Gibbons pointed out that McKercher would be facing four years in prison if she gave up her probation.

At her Oct. 24, 2008, sentencing, McKercher said she cashed the checks to obtain money for drugs.

Gibbons said no complaint has been filed against McKercher by either drug court or probation officials. Without one, it was difficult for him to move forward with the case, which he delayed for a week.