Drunk driver gets third prison term

A 48-year-old Gardnerville Ranchos man who has served two prison terms for felony drunk driving was sentenced Tuesday to a third term of eight years for what his lawyer estimated was at least his 20th arrest for driving under the influence.

"I have never in 20 years of sitting up here sentenced someone to prison for a third felony DUI," said District Judge Dave Gamble. "This is a record for me."

Defendant John Longden said he'd made up his mind to quit drinking.

"That's pure nonsense," Gamble said. "If you could make up your mind, you would have done it a long, long time ago. You would have done it back in 1981."

Gamble told Longden if he didn't quit drinking, he would die.

"Some people have no power over alcohol," Gamble said. "'Earth to John,' you're one of them."

Longden, who has been in Douglas County Jail since his arrest April 22, said he never wanted to quit before.

"I want to live the rest of my life clean and sober," Longden said.

Longden was observed walking out of a Gardnerville grocery store without paying for several items including an 18-pack of beer in April.

He returned to the store and paid for the merchandise, but was seen drinking a beer as he sped away.

Deputies stopped him at Long Valley Road and Riverview Drive.

Gamble sentenced Longden to a minimum of two years before he is eligible for parole and fined him $3,000.

He received credit for 78 days in custody.