Probation revoked for drug offense

Probation was revoked Monday for a 29-year-old Gardnerville Ranchos man who admitted using methamphetamine and failing to repay $1,600 for insufficient funds.

Jonathan Flagg asked to be reinstated for drug rehabilitation and claimed his probation officer lied to him.

But District Judge Michael Gibbons, pointing to Flagg's prior record, said he agreed with the probation officer that the defendant couldn't be trusted.

Prosecutor Karen Dustman asked that probation revoked.

"I think you're just getting lip service at this point because he (Flagg) knows what he's facing," Dustman said.

Gibbons imposed a 34-month sentence with parole eligibility after a year. He told Flagg the sentence was concurrent to six months he is serving in Douglas County Jail for the most recent drug use.

Flagg claimed he never had an opportunity for drug rehabilitation which his probation officer promised.

"My PO (probation officer) was lying to my face. He's just throwing me to the wolves," Flagg said.

Gibbons reminded Flagg he was ordered to get a drug evaluation as part of his probation and had several chances for treatment.

"I'm not a bad criminal," Flagg said. "Methamphetamine got a hold of me. I have a drug problem and I'm asking for help."

Flagg served prior jail sentences in 2007 for a fight at a Stateline casino night club and in 2004 for child abuse and neglect involving injuries on a six-month-old boy.

"You've avoided felonies before," Gibbons said. "This is your least serious offense and you're going to prison."

He ordered Flagg to return to court after his release from prison to work at a restitution schedule. Flagg admitted writing bad checks totaling $1,606.