Embezzler's probation reinstated

District Judge Michael Gibbons reinstated probation Monday for a 49-year-old Carson City woman who is behind on $144,000 restitution despite her probation officer's assertion that she lied and failed to make payments.

"The court's first priority is getting restitution," Gibbons said. "The court is presented with a dilemma. If she's locked up, she can't make payments."

Robin Ecklund told Gibbons she had a full-time job and three newspaper delivery routes in an effort to meet her $750 monthly obligation.

She claimed she fell behind because she hadn't received a $12,000 lump sum she was expecting from her divorce.

Ecklund pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $150,000 from Marquis Title and Escrow Co. At her sentencing in September 2005, Ecklund turned over $22,235 she had in a bank account.

She was placed on probation, but faces 10 years in prison if she violates.

Probation officer Jorge Pierrott, told Gibbons on Monday that Ecklund lied about where she was living, how much she'd paid in restitution, and whether she was enrolled in counseling.

"I don't know if you understand how serious an offense this is," Gibbons said. "Ten years is a long time. Do you realize you are very close to having your probation revoked?"

He told her to contact Volunteer Attorneys for Rural Nevadans for help with her divorce settlement.

n An Elk Grove, Calif., man whose gambling habit has cost him $1 million was placed on probation Monday and ordered to repay $10,000 for a bad check he cashed at a Stateline casino.

Randy Ong, 41, also was ordered to stay out of casinos for the duration of his five years' probation.

Ong was expected to bring half the restitution to court Monday for sentencing, but his lawyer said all the family expenses were going for treatment of Ong's wife who has cancer.

"He has not had anything beyond what he needs to get by," Young said.

Young said it was true Ong lost more than $1 million gambling but that included personal property.

"He lost more than $1 million, but it didn't happen last year. It's the total. It's hyberbole. He lost everything," Young said.

Ong pleaded guilty to attempting to issue checks without sufficient funds.

District Judge Michael Gibbons treated the offense as a felony and ordered Ong to pay $250-a-month restitution.

Ong also faces charges in Washoe County.

If Ong violates probation, he faces three years in Nevada State prison.