Bail at $158,000 in alleged weapons theft

Bail was set at $158,000 for an 18-year-old Gardnerville man accused of breaking into a garage in Topaz Ranch Estates two times and stealing a .357-magnum rifle, ammunition and three swords.

East Fork Justice Tom Perkins declined to reduce bail for Dennis Darter on Wednesday and appointed lawyer Derrick Lopez to represent the suspect.

Darter was arrested Tuesday. He is charged with three felonies and a gross misdemeanor including two counts of burglary, burglary of a firearm and possession of burglary tools.

Perkins set Darter's next court appearance Jan. 5.

According to reports, Darter and two juveniles are accused of being involved in the burglary of the garage in the 3200 block of Highland Way in Topaz Ranch Estates.

Deputies reportedly discovered the missing items in one of the juvenile's vehicles when he and Darter pulled up next to a patrol car Dec. 26 at Topaz Ranch Park to ask directions.

Deputies found bolt cutters and broken padlocks in the vehicle along with a pellet gun, magazine rounds, three swords and the rifle.

Prosecutor Karen Dustman asked Perkins to maintain the bail.

"He came into the possession of these firearms. We believe he had the intent to steal the guns. These are very serious charges," Dustman said.