Woman denies knowing drugs in vehicle

The 57-year-old Gardnerville woman, who authorities claim was driving two Carson City men to a drug buy at a car wash on the Saturday before Christmas, denied she knew that the vehicle contained 9 pounds of methamphetamine.

The three people arrested with what Douglas County authorities are calling the largest amount of methamphetamine ever seized in Carson Valley appeared in East Fork Justice Court on Wednesday.

Valdene Roberts told Justice of the Peace Jim EnEarl that she'd never been arrested and did not use drugs or alcohol.

"I've never been arrested in my life," she said. "I got involved with something and I didn't know anything about what I was being asked to do."

Roberts's attorney, Matthew Ence argued in favor of lowering bail, saying his client's parents and son were in the courtroom and that $150,000 was beyond their ability to pay.

"She had no idea what was going on and has no prior record," Ence said. "She wants to stay here and fight this charge."

Prosecutor Kris Brown argued against a lower bail.

"She was offered $500 to drive the codefendants," Brown said. "She voluntarily involved herself in the transaction."

Roberts faces charges of trafficking in a controlled substance, conspiracy to violate the controlled substances act and possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell.

Neither of the other two defendants in the case spoke during their court appearances.

Attorney Tod Young appeared with his client Nayo Orozco, 28, of Carson City. A Jan. 4 preliminary hearing was set in the case. Orozco faces a charge of trafficking in a controlled substance.

A Jan. 4 preliminary hearing date was set for Crispin Pacheco, 35, of Carson City. Pacheco faces charges of trafficking in a controlled substance, conspiracy to violate the controlled substances act and possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell.

All three were arrested at a Gardnerville car wash on Saturday evening.