Fuentes gets six years in prison on drug charge

A Carson City man who has had a number of high-profile run-ins with the law was sentenced Tuesday to six years in prison for drug trafficking and faces up to six additional years when sentenced in two weeks on a jail battery charge.

In January, a Carson City jury deliberated just over 30 minutes before finding Fidel Fuentes, 26, guilty of drug trafficking.

In addition to the maximum sentence asked for by District Attorney Neil Rombardo and imposed by Judge Jim Wilson, Fuentes was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.

"I'm pleased with the judge's message to this community that gang members who deal drugs are not going to be tolerated and are going to receive the sentences they deserve," said Rombardo.

Also on Tuesday, Fuentes pleaded guilty to a charge of felony battery by a prisoner. Fuentes allegedly assaulted a rival gang member the day after Christmas.

Though the prosecution and defense agreed that sentence could be imposed immediately, Wilson asked the Department of Parole and Probation to prepare a recommendation. Fuentes faces 12 to 72 months when sentenced April 7.

A self-proclaimed gang member, Fuentes has been arrested numerous times during the past five years for offenses including domestic battery, kidnapping, accessory to attempted murder and possession of stolen property or dangerous weapons.

Almost all of the charges against him have been either been dismissed or reduced. He most recently served 10 months in the Douglas County Jail for a charge of possession of stolen property in connection with a high-speed police chase in Indian Hills.

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