Reno man sent to prison for four years in $3,000 credit card fraud

A 48-year-old Reno man with seven felonies and 22 misdemeanor convictions was sentenced Tuesday to four years in Nevada State Prison .

Steven P. Martin told District Judge Dave Gamble he was getting too old for his lifestyle.

"I've had every opportunity in the world," he said. "When I drink, I just throw everything away. I'm tired of it."

He pleaded guilty to fraudulent use of a credit card, accused of running up nearly $3,000 in charges at the Horizon hotel casino.

"At some point, it's no longer society's responsibility to fix you. It's your responsibility to fix you," Gamble said. "You're the only one who can fix you anyway."

Martin must serve a minimum of 16 months before he can apply for parole.

"I hope this gives you a chance to do what you hope to do," Gamble said.

He gave Martin credit for 95 days in custody.

n A 19-year-old Gardnerville man with three felony convictions was ordered to complete a regimental boot camp if his adult record doesn't prevent him from enrolling.

At first, Judge Dave Gamble said he saw no reason to send James Matlean to the regimental discipline program.

"This was an absolutely, unnecessary, violent, almost obscene treatment of something that belonged to someone else," Gamble said.

Matlean pleaded guilty to grand larceny of a motor vehicle stemming from a July 4, 2005, incident.

He and co-defendant Ross Perusse admitted stealing a 2002 Chevrolet S10 pickup from Mort's Autobody, driving it to Carson City and Sacramento and returning it to the Gardnerville Ranchos sandpits where they shot at it and tried to set it on fire. Matlean turned himself in to Douglas County authorities after serving time in San Bernardino, Calif.

"I've done a lot of things I am not proud of," Matlean said. "I turned myself in. I know it ultimately depends on me."

Matlean said that for the first time he knew what victims go through because his house had been burglarized.

"I never had the experience of what I've put my victims through. I'm sorry," he said.

Lawyer Terri Roeser argued against sending Matlean to prison because of his age.

"I hate to see a 19-year-old committed to the Department of Corrections at that young age, and with a glimmer of change," she said.

"I know he's not deserving. I hope he is sincere," she said.

"I've sat here with you through half your teen years," Gamble said, referring to Matlean's extensive juvenile record.

"Then, you go out and ring up the most felonies by age 19 that I've ever seen. You wear out everybody," Gamble said.

He told Matlean if he fails the discipline program, he'll be going to prison.

"You'll be telling me you want to go to prison," Gamble said. "If you succeed, you'll still get some jail time, but it will not be prison."