Teenager sentenced to drug court in heroin sales case

A 19-year-old Minden woman who said she delivered heroin to support her own habit was sentenced Monday to Western Regional Drug Court.

District Judge Michael Gibbons wished Corinne M. Dannehl success.

"This is going to be a very difficult time for you," he said. "There are so many chances to reoffend. You can't have any relapses. It violates the law and puts you back to square one."

She has served 45 days in Douglas County Jail since she and her boyfriend, were arrested in June for three sales of cocaine in an undercover sting.

"I was very unaware of my addiction," she said, crying. "I wasn't aware of my problem until I went to Sierra Recovery Center. I apologize for everything I've done. I want to better my future."

Dannehl was kicked out of the recovery center for smoking a cigarette, but she is eligible to return 30 days after her dismissal.

Gibbons ordered her held in Douglas County Jail until drug court convenes Aug. 18.

Dannehl pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge in connection with the sales.

An Oct. 3 preliminary hearing in East Fork Justice Court for the boyfriend. He is charged with sales of a controlled substance and as principal to the crime of sales of a controlled substance.

The drug transactions were completed in March and April. Their vehicles were seized because they allegedly were used to transport heroin, according to reports.

Both were jailed on $25,000 cash, but his parents bailed him out, according to court records. Her bail was reduced to $10,000 last week.

"Her role in this crime is consistent with someone who is an addict," said her lawyer, Tod Young.

Young said Dannehl admitted her relationship was based on her ability to get heroin.

"She was with her boyfriend because he was her source," Young said. "This is a young woman who put herself in a relationship where nothing good came from it, only her ability to obtain drugs. It's consistent with an addict."

Investigators made several controlled purchases from the defendants, originally charged with sales of a controlled substance and as principals to the crime of sales of a controlled substance.

Chief Probation Officer Doug Swalm, who supervises the Department of Alternative Sentencing, said Dannehl was doing well at the recovery center before she was dismissed.

"I believe she is desperately in need of treatment," Swalm said. "She needs to be held accountable for what she's done. I believe she can be held accountable by remaining in drug court."

Gibbons told her she was fortunate to have the support of her family.

n Sheila Gardner can be reached at sgardner@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 214