Drug court ordered for 20-year-old

A 20-year-old Gardnerville Ranchos man, accused of making four sales of marijuana in an undercover sting, was sentenced Tuesday to Western Regional Drug Court in lieu of prison.

Steven Blummer pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to violate the Uniform Controlled Substances Act.

According to reports, he sold marijuana on four occasions in May.

Lawyer Derrick Lopez said he'd seen a dramatic change in his client.

"Before, he'd skated through much of his life and hadn't been caught. When he was caught, it was huge. It all came crashing down of what can happen," Lopez said.

"He is very young. He just turned 20," Lopez said. "There is no question what he was doing was terribly wrong. If he uses this opportunity to change his life, everybody benefits. If he's not sincere, that will show."

Lopez said Blummer had a lot to lose if he fails drug court.

"He wants to do something with his life. If convicted of the felonies he deserves, that certainly sets him back. He is prepared to make himself a better person no matter what the court does," Lopez said.

Blummer said he wanted an opportunity to change.

"I don't want to be dependent on drugs. I become careless and lazy and would never do anything for my life," he said.

Gamble asked if Blummer had believed that marijuana wasn't harmful.

"It's no good," Blummer said. "I don't recommend anyone use it or become dependent. I did enjoy it, but it's not a reality. I didn't plan for college or go out and look for a job. Now, every day is better. I am enthused to go to work, I am enthused to go to counseling."

Gamble told Blummer that Lopez "served a huge purpose (on Blummer's behalf) to engineer what was clearly sales cases."

Had Blummer been convicted of sales, he would be ineligible for drug court.

"The district attorney's office recognized your youth. Everyone including me has reason to hope you can go on and live a good life. At age 20, you've got at least 60 years to go on and live a regular life or smoke dope," Gamble said.

He ordered Blummer to appear Dec. 9 for drug court.

"Do well with this, Mr. Blummer, or I won't be nearly so nice if you come back here," Gamble said.