Sentencing continued for habitual criminal

MINDEN, Nev. " Sentencing was continued Monday for at least a week for a 40-year-old Gardnerville Ranchos man who faces imprisonment as an habitual criminal.

David Knapp was set to be sentenced Jan. 26, but the hearing was continued so the defendant could testify Jan. 30 at the preliminary hearing of pot farmer James Gilbert.

Lawyer Matt Ence asked Monday that sentencing be continued again because of "recent developments" in the case.

Ence told District Judge Michael Gibbons that new information needs to be verified. He discussed the matter privately at the bench with Gibbons and prosecutor Laurie Trotter.

"It may have bearing on this sentence," Ence said.

He told Gibbons he would know by Thursday if he would be ready for Knapp to be sentenced Feb. 9.

If not, the sentencing would be continued until Feb. 23 because Feb. 16 is the Presidents' Day holiday.

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

Authorities believe Knapp was selling heroin from his residence in the Gardnerville Ranchos. In addition to the drugs and a marijuana grow system, deputies also found property reported stolen in burglaries.

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