Man agrees to plea in battery

A 24-year-old Gardnerville Ranchos man is set to plead guilty March 17 in district court to coercion in connection with the battery of his former girlfriend.

Jeremiah Gottas waived a preliminary hearing Friday in East Fork Justice Court.

In exchange for Gottas' guilty plea, the district attorney's office agreed to set sentencing out long enough for Gottas to complete an in-patient treatment program.

If he is successful, the prosecution agreed to recommend a 12-30-month suspended sentence in Nevada State Prison and probation.

Gottas apologized to the victim who was in court Friday with her family.

"I love you more than anything," Gottas said.

"I don't know what happened that night. I don't know why it happened. I am sorry for embarrassing you and your family. You deserved to be treated with the utmost respect. You deserve nothing like what happened to you."

Gottas said he didn't expect the victim to accept his apology.

"I just want you to know the turmoil I put myself through over this. I am very sorry. It was never my intention to hurt you," he said.

Deputies were called to the residence at 11:30 p.m. Feb. 18 by a neighbor who heard the victim screaming.

Officers heard banging and shouting through the window and ordered Gottas several times to open the door before he complied.

The victim was standing behind him with her face covered in blood.

She had two black eyes, a bruised jaw and a cut on her arm.

She reportedly told deputies that Gottas broke his cell phone and became angry when he tried to warm up coffee and the microwave didn't work.

She said despite efforts to calm him, Gottas began breaking items in the kitchen, and blocked her when she tried to leave.

He grabbed her cell phone and threw it when she tried to call 911.

As she tried to leave the residence, the woman said Gottas grabbed her by the hair, and threw her to the floor.

She said he straddled her, punched her in the face, and choked her nearly to unconsciousness.

According to deputies, Gottas said he was intoxicated and couldn't remember what happened.

He has been in Douglas County Jail since his arrest.

On Friday, East Fork Justice Jim EnEarl ordered him to remain in custody until a bed is ready at a treatment facility. When he completes the program, he will remain in custody until sentencing.

Other terms of the agreement include no contact with the victim, abstinence from drugs and alcohol, anger management counseling and $2,500-$3,000 restitution.