Man files fraud report over flooring

The attorneys general of Nevada and California are investigating a fraud complaint from a Minden man who ordered nearly $8,000 of hardwood flooring online that was never delivered.

The 38-year-old victim told deputies he ordered the flooring in December 2004 from American Hardwood Flooring Inc., in Las Vegas.

His check was cashed Dec. 22, 2004, and the flooring was to be sent to his residence by Federal Express. The flooring never arrived despite repeated promises of delivery, according to the victim.

He was told in March 2005 that the company had gone out of business.

The man filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and was told that the agency had received more than 100 reports of fraud concerning the company.

n A Minden man was charged with his second offense of driving under the influence after a preliminary test indicated his blood-alcohol content was nearly four times the legal limit for driving in Nevada.

Mark Bender, 39, was arrested after a traffic accident Jan. 2 at Highway 395 and River Rock Road.

The deputy at the scene said Bender's vehicle was parked on the west side of the highway facing south.

He said he knocked on Bender's window several times to get his attention. When the suspect finally rolled down the window, the deputy said he smelled alcohol.

He saw an open bottle of vodka on the seat and said Bender was unresponsive to questions about whether he was injured or if he had been drinking. The suspect was not injured and there was no damage to the vehicle.

The deputy said he did not test Bender at the scene because there was 8-10 inches of snow on the roadway.

A preliminary breath test indicated his blood alcohol content at .313. The legal limit for driving in Nevada is .08.

A search of Bender's record indicated a prior arrest for driving under the influence from May 22, 2004, along with a warrant for failure to appear.

Bender was arrested for driving with a revoked license, driving with an open container and DUI second.

n Hours after the owner of two quad motor bikes reported the vehicles stolen from his Gardnerville Ranchos residence, deputies recovered the vehicles and trailer at James Lee Park in north Douglas County hitched to a truck reported stolen from Carson City.

The Ranchos victim said the trailer and two Yamaha 350 quads had been taken from his yard. Tire tracks indicated someone drove a truck on the property, hitched the trailer and left.

The items, valued at $7,000 for the bikes and $7,000 for the trailer, were found at James Lee Park a few hours later.

The truck which was covered in mud had been reported stolen from Carson City.

The bikes and trailer were returned to their owner.