Poor probation performance earns prison

Probation was revoked Tuesday for a 21-year-old Johnson Lane man who failed to perform any terms of his probation for a series of residential burglaries.

Jacob Lacey admitted to District Judge Dave Gamble that he absconded from probation, failed to report, make any payments toward more than $82,000 restitution and supervision fees or report his residence.

"Was any of this important to you?" Gamble said.

Lacey, who completed regimental discipline camp in July with positive recommendations, said he tried to keep up with requirements for the first four months.

"No one wanted to hire me," he said. "I had no vehicle and I couldn't go anywhere."

Quoting from the probation officer's report, Gamble said the words that "ring truest" were the assessment that Lacey had no intention of following any terms of his probation.

"I do want to follow probation. The hardest part is getting in the right track at the first moment," Lacey said.

Lacking a job, Lacey said he was unable to make restitution or pay any fees.

He told the judge he was living with his parents in Johnson Lane, but they only had one vehicle which they drove every day to their jobs in Reno.

"Do you understand what prison is going to be like for you?" Gamble asked.

Lacey and codefendant Kyle Liddicoat, 19, were accused of committing burglaries that occurred July 7-16, 2008, at residences in Johnson Lane, Wildhorse and Stephanie Way. The suspects gained access through unlocked windows and doors while the victims slept.

Lacey was on the lam for four months before turning himself in.

Liddicoat, 19, was sentenced Oct. 14, 2008, to up to 12 years in prison after he turned down an opportunity for the prison boot camp.

After completing boot camp, Gamble sentenced Lacey to 16-48 months in prison, suspended, and placed him on five years probation.

He and Liddicoat are responsible for more than $82,000 restitution which Gamble ordered repaid at $300 a month.

Gamble asked Lacey on Tuesday why he didn't even complete 80 hours of community service.

Lacey said he worked five hours, but didn't have transportation.

"The smartest thing I can ever do for you now is send you to prison," Gamble said. "At some point you have to be responsible for yourself. You're not in juvenile court. We're not playing games."

He gave Lacey credit for 244 days in custody.

He is eligible for parole after completing a minimum of 16 months.