Man admits forging motel checks

A 43-year-old Gardnerville Ranchos man faces up to four years in prison at his sentencing June 21 for forgery.

Charles Matthews admitted Monday that he participated in the embezzlement of more than $9,000 from the Village Motel in Gardnerville.

The district attorney's office has agreed to recommend probation in lieu of 12-36 months in Nevada State Prison. Matthews also is to be responsible for $4,336 restitution.

Judge Michael Gibbons told Matthews there was no guarantee he would get the recommended sentence.

Codefendant Sarah McKinnis, 34, the ex-manager of the motel, was sentenced last month to three years in prison. Her restitution is $9,212.12 and $700 to Walmart for a stolen television.

"I'm not saying it's not my fault," Matthews said.

He said when the forgeries began last August, he was getting reimbursed for work he performed at the motel or for supplies he purchased.

"I was getting reimbursed at first, but towards the end, I knew it wasn't right. I did the fraud," Matthews said.

He admitted forging the owner's signature on some of the checks.

Gibbons asked Matthews if he had a substance abuse problem.

"I am addressing those issues on my own," Matthews said. "I'm going to weekly counseling at my own expense."