Thief gets chance to repay debt

A Carson City man who, along with his girlfriend, sold thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise was sentenced to probation Tuesday.

Timothy James Sparacino, 25, was given up to three years probation and a suspended prison sentence of two to nine years, on three counts of theft. He must also pay $22,701 in restitution.

Sparacino pawned some $22,000 in stolen items at area pawn and coin shops.

According to court documents, among the things pawned was a $9,000 Rolex watch which Sparacino allegedly sold for $2,500.

In all, the couple was suspected in connection with at least four home burglaries and a loss of more than $40,000, investigators said.

Judge Jim Wilson said his only reason for giving Sparacino probation was so that Sparacino could begin repaying the victims at $350 per month. If Sparacino fails the terms of his probation, he will likely go to prison, warned Wilson.

Sparacino's girlfriend Jeira Polanco, 23, pleaded guilty March 7 to three counts of theft. She will be sentenced April 18.

Also in Carson City District Court this week:

• Mazio Lee Larry, 34, was given up to three years probation and a suspended prison sentence of 12 to 30 months, on a charge of possession of a controlled substance.• Amy Nicole Olson, 28, was sentenced to 12 to 36 months in prison on a charge of conspiracy to violate the uniform controlled substance act. Olson was arrested with 15 balloons of heroin she said was for her personal use.

• Michael Anthony Swerdling, 22, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance. He faces 12 to 48 months in prison when sentenced May 16.

• Aaron Samuel Clack, 27, pleaded not guilty to a charge of trafficking. A trial is set for May 16.

• John Michael Foster, 46, pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault with the use of a deadly weapon. A trial is set for Aug. 22.

• Billy Jo Johnson, 26, pleaded guilty to a charge of attempted robbery. He will be sentenced May 17.

• Brett Steven Jones, 31, was sentenced to drug court, and must successfully complete three years probation to avoid receiving a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance.

• Lynsey Kieffer, 21, was given up to three years probation, and a suspended sentence of one year in jail, on a charge of gross misdemeanor battery with a deadly weapon. She must also receive drug abuse and psychiatric counseling.

• Carlo Ariel Michael, 19, must complete a 190-day prison boot camp program prior to sentencing on a charge of conspiracy to violate the uniform controlled substance act.

• Michael Elissa Smotherman, 38, pleaded guilty to a charge of trafficking methamphetamine. She faces two to 15 years in prison when sentenced. Probation is not an option.