Armed robber arrested on probation violation

A Carson City man twice put on probation for an attempted armed robbery in March has been arrested again and may have to serve as many as 72 months in prison as a result.

Michael J. Ray, 18, was picked up Sunday night on a probation violation for suspicion of marijuana possession. The arrest could result in Ray's service of a suspended prison sentence of 16 to 72 months for the holdup at knifepoint of 63-year-old Richard DiMarzo outside the Carson Nugget.

During the holdup, DiMarzo foiled his attacker by hitting him. A stunned Ray was picked up a few minutes later in the parking lot of the Hardman House hotel two blocks to the north. A knife was found in a nearby planter.

Now retired Judge Michael Fondi presided over Ray's case early on. Balancing a lengthy juvenile criminal history against Ray's promise that he would reform his life to move away from drug use, Fondi sent Ray to a drug rehabilitation program in lieu of imprisonment.

When Ray was arrested again in June for drug use and associating with a felon, again Fondi took a chance on him, allowing a long-term drug treatment program.

Sunday's arrest came at 11:35 p.m. in the 800 block of North Carson Street. He had been living in Reno where he works as a laborer. He appeared in justice court Monday morning where he was scheduled for a Oct. 13 hearing. If he admits guilt before then, he will be sent to district court for sentencing.