Ranchos man admits heroin sales

Sentencing is set Jan. 26 for a 40-year-old Gardnerville Ranchos man whose punishment will be enhanced because of his status as an habitual criminal.

David Knapp faces up to 20 years in prison for sales of a controlled substance, heroin, and conspiracy to possess a controlled substance for purpose of sale.

Because of Knapp's prior felony and misdemeanor convictions, the maximum sentence for the offense is 20 years instead of six.

He faces a minimum of five years in prison.

Knapp is ineligible for probation.

In exchange for a plea agreement, the state won't prosecute Knapp on several other charges. Knapp agreed to testify truthfully in future proceedings.

He admitted selling $100 worth of heroin to an undercover informant.

He also admitted having marijuana plants at his residence.

Knapp and Crystal Ciccone, 36, were arrested early Nov. 14 in a Special Weapons and Tactics team on their residence. Ciccone's 10-year-old daughter was living at the home.

Authorities believe Knapp was selling heroin from the house. In addition to the drugs and a marijuana grow system, deputies also found property reported stolen in burglaries. The sheriff's office is working on identifying the owners of the property, which included construction and automotive equipment.

Knapp has 12 prior criminal contacts with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. He has nine prior convictions including five felonies.

Ciccone was charged with conspiracy to violate the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, possession of a controlled substance for sale, possession of stolen property and child endangerment.

Ciccone said she was in the process of applying for a state-issued medical marijuana card when she was arrested. Officers confiscated seven plants and a grow system.

She claimed she didn't know Knapp allegedly was selling heroin from the home and her daughter never came in contact with the drug that he kept in the bedroom.