Drunk drivers chose prison over program

Two men were sentenced to prison Tuesday for felony driving under the influence with both turning down a chance for a diversion program that would have kept them out of custody.

Attorneys for Brian Rookey, 50, of Gardnerville, and Robert J. Klose III, 53, of Stateline, said their clients wanted to serve their prison terms.

Rookey was sentenced to 48 months, with a 12-month minimum before he is eligible for parole.

He was arrested March 9, 2009. Rookey has prior convictions in July 2003 in Long Beach, Calif., and April 11, 2007, in East Fork Justice Court.

Rookey's lawyer, Derrick Lopez, said his client was financially unable to meet the obligations of the diversion program.

"I'm embarrassed," Rookey said. "I am getting a little long in the tooth to be going through this."

Rookey said he was interested in studying nursing and wanted to go to college.

"I'm not getting anywhere until I address the drinking," he said.

District Judge Dave Gamble asked Klose how he was addressing his alcohol consumption in light of his .35 blood-alcohol content at his arrest Feb. 26 at Stateline, more than four times the legal limit of .08 for driving in Nevada.

Klose said he'd had a drinking problem for 20 years, but had been sober since his arrest.

Gamble agreed to release Klose until June 22 so the defendant could take care of medical issues and get his affairs in order.

Klose has prior DUI arrests in Douglas County in November 2005 and Eldorado County in August 2006. Gamble sentenced Klose to 30 months in prison with minimum parole eligibility at 12 months. He received 92 days credit for time served.