AM-PM embezzler sent to prison

A Carson City man was sentenced to prison Monday for stealing from his employer.

Greg Sciarrotta, 60, must serve at least one year and up to three years in prison on one count of theft.

According to the criminal complaint, between June 4, 1999, and Aug. 3, 1999, Sciarrotta embezzled about $39,109 from the AM-PM Mini Mart at 4340 N. Carson St.

In addition to the prison time, Sciarrotta was ordered to repay the money.

Also in Carson City District Court on Monday:

• Stephanie Marie Belzer, 22, was given three years' probation with one year in jail suspended for her part in a burglary and shooting in which a Carson City man received minor injuries. According to police reports, Belzer, was visiting Nathan Richardson, 22, and his girlfriend, Jessica Simpson, 18, at 701 W. Telegraph St. when two men, their faces covered by knit caps with eye holes cut out, came in just before 11 p.m. and held the group at gunpoint. Taking aim at Richardson, one of the assailants fired bird shot at his chest and the two men fled. He was treated and released from the hospital. When officers looked in Belzer's car, scissors and four knit eye holes were found inside. She pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit theft. There was not enough evidence to file charges against the two men believed to be involved, said Detective Dena Lacy.

• Edward Duane Bortner, 20, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and battery by a prisoner. He will be sentenced May 22.

• Thomas Joseph Cook, 43, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine. He faces up to four years in prison when sentenced May 15.

• Robert Michael Hernandez, 19, stepson of Carson City Mayor Marv Teixeira, was given three years probation with one year in jail suspended for a felony charge of carrying a concealed weapon. Judge Michael Griffin warned Hernandez to straighten up his life, which has been plagued by arrests related to drugs and gang activity. "No matter what anyone says, he wants to be a hero - a legend in his own mind," Griffin said. "There's got to be some kind of discipline in your life."

• Chad Hazen Hoffer, 30, was given three years' probation with 12 to 32 months in prison suspended on a charge of possession of a controlled substance. If he completes drug court, the charges will be dismissed.

• John W. Howell, 53, was sentenced to 26 to 120 months in prison for felony drunken driving. Howell's DUI arrest Jan. 23 marked his sixth drunken driving arrest. Howell has already served time in prison for felony drunken driving.

• Anthony Martin, 25, pleaded guilty to theft. He will be sentenced May 15.

• Gilbert Ortiz, 24, was sentenced to three years' probation with a sentence of 12 to 32 months in prison suspended on a charge of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell.

• Jonathan Howard Roe, 18, pleaded guilty to driving away with a vehicle without the owner's consent. He faces up to a year in jail when sentenced May 22.

• Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.