Probation reinstated for man in leg-burning incident

Probation was reinstated Monday for Gardnerville man who owes thousands of dollars to a 24-year-old man whose leg he set on fire as a prank nearly two years ago.

District Judge Michael Gibbons told Trent Clanton he must pay something every month to take care of the $40,000 he owes in restitution and supervision fees.

Originally, Clanton was ordered to pay $250 a month.

Clanton, 24, admitted he was behind on payments and had been drinking in violation of his probation.

His lawyer, Tod Young, said his client was out of work for a long time, and since he'd found a job, had helped support his mother and two younger siblings.

Young said Clanton was moving in with his father now that his mother found work and he wouldn't have to support her and the children.

Clanton pleaded guilty to mayhem for the incident that occurred in April 2007 at a party in the Pine Nut Mountains.

He admitted pouring gasoline from a beer can onto the shoe of the victim, then lighting it on fire. The victim suffered severe burns and nerve damage.

Clanton owes $4,400 to the victim for lost wages and $36,270 to the state crime victims' fund for covering the injured man's medical expenses.

Clanton's probation was extended in April from one year to four after he abandoned plans to join the military.

His underlying prison sentence is 2- to-6 years in Nevada State Prison.

Clanton paid $150 on Monday.

Young said Clanton started out at $7-an-hour at his job and had received a $1-an-hour raise.

"This is income far below the poverty line. This is just struggling. He was behind from the get-go," Young said.

Gibbons ordered Clanton to continue his attendance at AA, obtain a sponsor and work the 12 steps.

"Just showing up at a meeting is not enough," Gibbons said.

"The court wants to see consistency. You committed a very serious offense. There's still a chance here, but you're not going to get any more," Gibbons said.

Prosecutor Karen Dustman asked for revocation.

"Basically, he has shown a consistent lack of willingness to comply with even $10 -5- a month. He went out and drank. He is not a good risk."

Clanton's probation officer Gary Campbell said he hadn't lost complete hope in Clanton, but "was waiting for him to show some good faith everyone could see."