Sentencing delayed for habitual criminal

Sentencing was delayed one week for a 40-year-old Gardnerville Ranchos man who faces additional punishment because of his status as an habitual criminal.

On Monday, prosecutor Laurie Trotter asked District Judge Michael Gibbons to delay sentencing until after defendant David Knapp testifies Friday at a preliminary hearing for James Gilbert accused of burglary and cultivating marijuana plants.

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.

Knapp's lawyer, Matt Ence, objected to the delay.

"There is no good reason for the continuance," Ence said. "He wanted to be sentenced when he changed his plea six weeks ago."

Ence said he was concerned that after the preliminary hearing, the state would want to delay Knapp's sentencing until after Gilbert's trial.

Gibbons agreed to the continuance, saying he wanted to review Knapp's prior convictions and the sentencing recommendation from the state Department of Parole and Probation.

Gilbert, 44, is set for two preliminary hearings on Friday, on charges of burglary and possession of controlled substances for sale and conspiracy to violate the Uniform Controlled Substances Act.

Knapp and Gilbert are accused of working together cultivating marijuana.

Gilbert is set for a preliminary hearing Feb. 6 stemming from 2006 charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Gilbert and Knapp are in custody in Douglas County Jail.

Authorities believe Knapp was selling heroin from 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.