District Judge Michael Gibbons released a 27-year-old man from Western Regional Drug Court so he could live in California with his father - a retired law enforcement officer - where he has a job.
Gibbons told Douglas Goldy he could live in Ridgecrest, Calif., with his father, who just retired as a commander with the California Highway Patrol, but warned the defendant he would still be on probation.
Gibbons said he based his decision on the fact that Goldy successfully completed a six-month "boot camp" run by the Nevada Department of Corrections and would be under his father's supervision.
"You've got a chance to really have your life turn around," Gibbons said. "I want to see you succeed."
Goldy and a 38-year-old woman were convicted a year ago of ringing up nearly $5,000 in credit card fraud. He was sentenced to probation and drug court, but violated his probation, and was sent to the regimental discipline camp in March.
He received high recommendations from the camp commander and a substance abuse counselor.
Goldy asked to be allowed to live in California because he would be homeless and unemployed if required to remain in Nevada.
Goldy said his Nevada probation officer approved of the move.
Gibbons said he didn't like Goldy not completing drug court, but felt he had benefited from the camp's intensive substance abuse program.