More charges may be pending against driver in fatal rollover

Additional drug charges may be filed against a 26-year-old Minden man convicted last month of vehicular manslaughter.

Deputy District Attorney Karen Dustman said Jerett McAlister may be charged with possession of a controlled substance or possession for sale after he reportedly tested positive for methamphetamine, a probation violation.

"We're contemplating additional charges, but we're not sure at what level. The investigation is ongoing," Dustman said.

McAlister was arrested Monday at his residence after his probation officer was tipped that he was allegedly selling methamphetamine, according to court documents.

He is in Douglas County Jail on $10,000 cash bail.

McAlister's lawyer, Tom Perkins, asked that Friday's hearing on the probation violation be continued pending additional charges.

East Fork Justice Jim EnEarl refused Friday to modify McAlister's bail.

"At the conclusion of his (Feb. 18) trial, Mr. McAlister tested positive for methamphetamine," EnEarl said. "He was told in no uncertain terms that he got the deal of the century. He could well have been remanded then. Three or four weeks go by and, following the Department of Alternative Sentencing tip, he tests positive again.

"My concern is at this juncture, he may have a meth issue. If he were to post bail, get out and test positive again, that might cement any decision the DA makes about charging," EnEarl said.

EnEarl set McAlister's next hearing for March 26.

He was found guilty Feb. 18 of vehicular manslaughter in the July 15, 2009, death of Christopher Medina, 22. East Fork EnEarl sentenced him to 180 days in Douglas County Jail, suspended, and placed him on two years probation for the misdemeanor offense.

Chief alternative sentencing officer Doug Swalm went to McAlister's house Monday and stopped him as he was leaving the residence in his girlfriend's car.

Swalm said he saw McAlister, who was a passenger, hand something to the girl before the vehicle stopped.

According to reports, Swalm found methamphetamine, plastic bags, and a pipe in the drivers' side door pocket, several small plastic bags in the vehicle, and a backpack that contained a scale, glass pipe and additional bags along with a Department of Alternative Sentencing report form.

In his probation violation report, Swalm said McAlister admitted smoking methamphetamine and said he was going to a Carson City motel "to clean up" before turning himself in.