Ranchos man admits setting another on fire

A 22-year-old Gardnerville Ranchos man pleaded guilty Monday to mayhem, admitting he poured gasoline on a man's leg and set it on fire at a party in the Pine Nut Mountains.

Trent Aaron Clanton faces up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine at his sentencing Aug. 27 by District Judge Michael Gibbons.

His lawyer, Tod Young, indicated he would request Clanton be sent to a six-month regimental discipline camp operated by the Nevada Department of Corrections in lieu of prison.

Clanton has agreed to reimburse the 22-year-old victim for out-of-pocket medical expenses incurred in the April 1 incident.

Originally, Clanton was charged with mayhem, battery with a deadly weapon causing substantial bodily harm and battery causing substantial bodily harm.

The victim suffered second- and third-degree burns and nerve damage to his right calf.

Clanton was accused of pouring gasoline from a beer can and lighting the shoe of the victim at a "bonfire party" early April 1.

According to reports, he claimed the incident was a prank. The victim, who was rushed to Carson Valley Medical Center by his brother, told deputies he didn't know Clanton or what provoked the attack.

Clanton answered, "Yes, sir," when Gibbons asked him if he understood the plea and the elements of the crime.

Young said Clanton had no prior felony record and he would see if he qualified for the regimental discipline program.

-- A 22-year-old Tracy, Calif., man pleaded guilty Monday to indecent exposure but claimed that he had consensual sex with the victim who said she was drunk and couldn't remember what happened.

"I plead guilty but I am not guilty," Juan Flores told District Judge Michael Gibbons.

"She said she wasn't conscious, but she was," Flores said. "We were both drunk."

The incident occurred July 6, 2006, at the Zephyr Cove campgrounds.

Prosecutor Michael McCormick said he discussed Flores' plea agreement with the victim and her mother.

"She was very intoxicated and believes something happened, but she's not sure what. She is a 19-year-old college student and a fine young lady. He did what he did and he shouldn't have done it. She wants to move on with her life and put this tragic event behind her. Let's not make her responsible for his actions," McCormick said.

Flores said he agreed to the plea because he didn't want to risk conviction on a more serious charge.

"I am not willing to risk 10 years in prison," he said. "I have my whole life ahead of me. I can't do that."

District Judge Michael Gibbons set sentencing for Aug. 20

-- After several violations, probation was revoked Tuesday for a former Marine charged in a 2002 brawl in Gardnerville.

District Judge Dave Gamble ordered Michael Wayne Huntington, 28, who was extradited from Texas in June, to serve a minimum of 12 months in Nevada State Prison.

Huntington was sentenced June 11, 2002, for battery causing substantial bodily harm.

He and two other ex-Marines were arrested March 31, 2002, after they fought with four occupants of a Stodick Parkway apartment. The victims suffered cuts, bruises, broken noses and head injuries. One man's teeth were broken off during the 8-minute fight.

The antagonists were accused of using bats, pipes and fists. The men were stationed at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center near Bridgeport, Calif., when the incident occurred.

Huntington admitted using cocaine more than a year ago, smoking marijuana in June and being behind on paying his fines.

He said he had been homeless and unable to find permanent employment since the incident occurred and he was brought back to Nevada for probation violations.

"It was pretty much my way of dealing with all this stuff," he said.

He asked that his probation be revoked so he could get the sentence concluded.

"This is such a horror story," Gamble said. "It's been awhile since I have seen such a bad example of sowing and reaping coming back to bite you.

"You've paid more than anyone else for this crime. I know it was a horrible crime, but I feel terrible for you. It's so hateful to see a person who had the career going that you did get ruined like this."

Huntington's lawyer, Derrick Lopez, asked if the sentence could be served in Douglas County Jail, but Gamble said Huntington would be released sooner if he were in prison.

He gave him credit for 101 days served.

Huntington also owes nearly $2,000 in extradition costs.

When he was sentenced in 2002, Huntington was placed on five years probation which would have expired June 11 had he met all the conditions.