Declared a habitual criminal, Gardnerville Ranchos resident David Knapp warned those addicted to drugs to get help before they follow him down the path to prison.
"If you are struggling, seek help before it's too late," he said. "Do not throw your life away."
Knapp, 40, was sentenced to 5-20 years in prison on Monday by District Judge Michael Gibbons under a plea negotiation.
Knapp pleaded guilty to sales of heroin, one of the felonies that led to his increased sentence.
"My life of crime started early," he said. "When times turned hard, I fell back to what I knew best. I take full responsibility for my actions."
He said he is young enough that he looks forward to getting out of prison and working with the community.
District Judge Michael Gibbons said he hoped Knapp was serious about turning his life around.
"Selling heroin destroys people's lives in this community," Gibbons said.
Knapp received 88 days on his sentence for his time in Douglas County jail while awaiting sentencing.
He was arrested in a November raid on their Linda Drive home. He pleaded guilty to selling heroin and conspiracy to possess marijuana for the purpose of sale.
