A 22-year-old Gardnerville Ranchos man was ordered Monday to complete a six-month regimental discipline boot camp before a judge decides whether he goes to prison for pouring gasoline on a man's leg and setting it on fire.
Trent Aaron Clanton faces up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine after he pleaded guilty to mayhem stemming from an incident April 1 at a bonfire party in the Pine Nut Mountains.
District Judge Michael Gibbons said Monday he wanted assurance that Clanton would qualify for the boot camp run by the Nevada Department of Corrections.
If the incident were determined to be a violent offense, Clanton would not qualify.
"Certainly there was a violent consequence to the victim," said Tod Young, Clanton's lawyer. "But everybody recognizes it was an act of stupidity which resulted in the crime of mayhem."
The 22-year-old victim suffered second- and third-degree burns and nerve damage to his right leg.
Clanton was accused of pouring gasoline from a beer can and lighting the shoe of the victim at the party.
Young said Clanton was trying to play a prank on the victim whom he did not know prior to the party.
"Trent expected something like a hotfoot that everybody would laugh at, He didn't expect this result," Young said.
He said the fumes ignited inside the victim's pant leg causing the injury.
"It was not intended to set this young man on fire," Young said.
The defendant claimed the incident was a prank.
Clanton also was ordered to pay $36,269.07 restitution to the victim's family for medical expenses.
Under the regimental discipline program, Clanton will be evaluated in Nevada State Prison for a month to determine if he is eligible. If he is accepted, he will be at the camp for 150-190 days, then returned to court.
The victim was present in court with his mother, but he did not testify.
Young emphasized the victim had nothing to do with what happened.
"There is nothing about this that is his fault," Young said.
After the sentencing, Clanton's mother and the victim's mother offered best wishes for each other's son.
Clanton has no prior criminal record except for a driving under the influence conviction.
Prosecutor Michael McCormick said the victim and his mother agreed to the decision to send Clanton through the regimental discipline program.
"His (the victim's) life has been forever changed," McCormick said. "His leg is forever scarred. If you want to see his leg, it looks horrific. He runs the risk of blood clots and circulation problems."
Young said Clanton would be motivated to complete boot camp because he wants to join the Marine Corps.
Clanton told Gibbons he had been conditioning with the Corps to get his weight down prior to the incident.
The recruiter was aware of the offense and said Clanton might be accepted because certain felony convictions can be waived.
"I can only say I am sorry for the victim," Clanton said. "I thought it would be funny. It was sheer stupidity. I was drunk and being irresponsible. I wish there was some way I could take it all back."
Gibbons told Clanton some crimes are punishable because of motive.
"You are in the other class," Gibbons said. "You did not intend to cause injury, but the result is still horrific."
Gibbons said he based his decision on Clanton's remorse, lack of criminal record and the victim's support of the camp.
He ordered Clanton to return to court after he is discharged from discipline program.
