A Carson City man was sentenced to prison Tuesday, and his co-defendant received probation for passing $39,000 in bad checks at various Carson City vehicle dealerships.
Ronald Michael Roper, 31, was given a prison sentence of 12 to 36 months by District Judge Bill Maddox on a charge of felony theft.
According to court records, Roper and co-defendant Sara Janene Combs, 24, wrote checks in January to purchase a motor home, two all-terrain vehicles and a trailer on Combs' closed account.
Combs was sentenced Tuesday to probation for five years with an underlying prison sentence of 12 to 30 months.
"The defendant was really the person behind this situation. Mr. Roper was the mastermind behind this thing," said Deputy District Attorney Kristin Luis in arguing for a prison sentence for Roper.
She said Roper has prior convictions for similar crimes in which he took advantage of women.
He is also facing federal mail fraud charges in Reno.
Also before Maddox on Tuesday:
• Jose Carlos Escobar, 26, is expected to plead guilty to a gross misdemeanor in relating to a charge of eluding police. His hearing was continued until next week.
• Rory Allen Evans, 38, is considering a plea bargain in a case involving trafficking. His hearing was continued until June 4.
• Ashley Jenniel Joanne Bryant, 23, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance.