Woman gets probation for drug possession

A 22-year-old Sacramento woman who absconded from Western Regional Drug Court in 2007 was sentenced Tuesday to four months in Douglas County Jail as part of her probation.

A tearful Bonnie McVay told District Judge Dave Gamble that she had been clean and sober for more than two years and wanted to become a substance abuse treatment counselor.

"I really have changed," McVay said. "I found I do deserve a nice life and I can do better."

According to reports, McVay left an inpatient treatment program two weeks after she was sentenced in 2007.

"I was a child, I was scared," McVay said. "I wanted my mother."

Gamble said he had a hard time believing McVay quit using methamphetamine after two weeks in drug treatment.

"I have not had the experience of someone being a serious meth user, spending two weeks in treatment, absconding, and all of a sudden, you're not a tweaker any more," Gamble said.

McVay was arrested in July and has been in custody in Douglas County Jail.

She said prior to her arrest, she attended 12-step meetings three times a week, had a sponsor, and was taking care of her mother who was ill and other family members.

"I focus on my sobriety every day," she said. "I ask for one more chance. I'm sorry. I messed up. I regret it every day of my life."

Prosecutor Karen Dustman asked Gamble to send McVay to prison.

"She had her opportunity at drug court and she bailed," Dustman said. "She said she's clean and sober, but we don't know what her history is."

Gamble said he agreed with Dustman's assessment.

"What we have here is a person who has basically thumbed her nose at our offer to help her," Gamble said.

He sentenced McVay to four years in Nevada State Prison with an 18-month minimum for parole eligibility. Gamble suspended the prison time and placed McVay on three years probation.

He ordered her to serve four months in Douglas County Jail and abstain from drugs and alcohol during probation. She must perform 40 hours of community service.

Gamble said he had been persuaded by character letters submitted by McVay.

"This doesn't very often happen to me," Gamble said. "The letters you provided made a difference. I believe you have been clean and sober. If not, we will have you back before me. I wish you well. I hope you go on and do great things."