A 36-year-old Minden man was sentenced May 29 to a suspended prison term and three years probation for his part in a methamphetamine sales operation that was dismantled in January with the arrest of five co-defendants including his aunt.
Darin S. Culpepper told District Judge Dave Gamble he had changed since the arrest.
"I've let my actions speak louder than words," Culpepper said.
He was evaluated as an "exemplary client" at Ridge House in Reno where he went for substance abuse treatment.
"Methamphetamine takes a considerable part of your life away," he said.
He asked Gamble to have mercy on his aunt, Nadine Murray, who faces prison from her arrest.
"I just hope and pray for my aunt that she gets a second chance at life and some drug treatment," Culpepper said before Gamble stopped him.
"This crime is yours. This sentence is yours. This probation is yours. This life is yours," Gamble said. "You need to worry about Mr. Culpepper."
Gamble said he believed Culpepper had changed, but advised him to be cautious.
"When a person believes themselves to be standing up, that's when they need to be the most cautious not to fall. You need to be conscious daily - eternally - of where you were and where you are going," Gamble said.
Gamble sentenced Culpepper to 34 months in Nevada State Prison, suspended, and placed him on three years probation.
He ordered him to avoid contact with all the co-defendants, including his aunt, and to continue counseling and treatment.
Culpepper must abstain from drugs and alcohol and is subject to random search and seizure for controlled substances and indicators of fraud.
He must complete 40 hours of community service.
Culpepper pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance.
He and the co-defendants were arrested Jan. 10 after a pre-dawn raid at Murray's East Valley Road home.
Officers recovered two ounces of methamphetamine with a street value of $5,600 and a stolen motorcycle.
