House painter gets probation

A 73-year-old Gardnerville Ranchos house painter was sentenced Tuesday to two concurrent sentences of 34 months in prison for two charges of contracting without a license with a prior conviction.

District Judge Dave Gamble suspended the prison time and placed Lloyd Schunk on five years probation.

He ordered Schunk to repay $8,465.39 to two victims who hired the defendant to paint five houses, work which was never performed.

Schunk had an extensive criminal history, but was crime-free from 1988-2008 when he was charged with the painting fraud.

"He was married, working, living a normal life," said lawyer Kris Brown. "He had no intention to run a scam. He became financially strapped and had health issues. Mr. Schunk had every intention to complete the work."

Schunk apologized to the victims and asked for forgiveness.

He said he could make restitution at $1,000 a month through his Social Security and jobs he and his wife worked.

"I am 73 years old and I don't want to go back to prison. I will honor my obligations," Schunk said.

Gamble ordered Schunk to have no contact with the victims.

"I know you've done every kind of prison that one can do, but if you don't follow through, I will send you back," Gamble said.