Thief gets probation, ordered to pay $18,090 restitution

A 37-year-old former resident of Topaz Ranch Estates was sentenced June 2 to five years probation and ordered to pay $18,090 restitution to a family from whom she stole while living with them.

District Judge Dave Gamble sentenced Donna Goodwin to 32 months in Nevada State Prison and ordered her to serve an additional 60 days in Douglas County Jail.

He said the jail time may be satisfied by placement in a court-approved treatment program.

He said she must complete another six months of residential treatment or prove she has been admitted to drug court in Amador County, Calif., where she plans to live with her mother.

Goodwin pleaded guilty to theft, admitting she stole jewelry, a camera and an MP3 player to finance her methamphetamine habit.

"I want you to think about these people (the victims) the entire time you're in a treatment program," Gamble said.

Goodwin apologized to the victims who did not attend the sentencing.

"In addition to stealing, she (the victim) says you went on a campaign against her at the place you both worked that was pretty vicious," Gamble said.

"I spent a lot of time on your sentencing and the depth of your problem. A person in the depths of what you're in cannot change by themselves," Gamble said. "The rest of your life depends on successful completion of these steps."

Gamble told Goodwin she must abstain from drugs and alcohol, be subject to search and seizure and have no contact with the victim.

"I think you really have a chance to have a life," he said. "Otherwise, I'd be sending you to prison,"

He gave Goodwin credit for 82 days in custody that does not apply to the additional 60 days.