Two suspected drug dealers sentenced to probation

Two suspected Carson City drug dealers pleaded guilty Tuesday in Carson City District Court as part of a deal with the district attorney's office that saved them from potential long-term imprisonment.

Jesus and Patricia Rios-Burgara, husband and wife who reside on Tiger Drive, pleaded guilty to drug possession and were sentenced to probation and drug counseling.

The pair were originally arrested by Tri-Net drug agents in August after an informant told officials they were involved in dealing drugs.

After entering the Rios-Burgara's residence, the agents reportedly found 10 grams of methamphetamine, a scale and a .357 Magnum handgun.

Judge Michael Fondi acknowledged that they received a generous break from prosecutors and warned them to reform themselves.

"All this drug dealing makes no sense," he said. "It's just sad."

In a separate case relating to an October stabbing, Jesus was the victim. Defendant John Burke pleaded guilty in December to assault with a deadly weapon.

Testimony at at Burke's preliminary hearing suggested that Jesus was Burke's drug dealer and that he was attempting to assault Burke with a flashlight when the stabbing occurred.

At Burke's arraignment, Jesus was asked about his alleged ties to the local drug trade and opted several times to refuse to answer. He recently served time for felony drug trafficking.

Burke is scheduled for sentencing later this month.