Footprints in snow suspect offered plea agreement

A Dresslerville resident accused of breaking into several vehicles in the Gardnerville Ranchos Dec. 21 has been offered a plea agreement.

It reduces three counts of felony burglary to one count of attempted burglary, also a felony.

Christopher Montgomery, 19, is accused of three vehicle burglaries, including one in the 1300 block of Kimmerling Road, one in the 1400 block of Langely Drive and one the 1400 block of James Street.

Douglas County Sheriff's Office deputies traced Montgomery's night of activity through his prints in freshly fallen snow, according to the sheriff's report.

Montgomery eluded nearly half a dozen DCSO officers for close to an hour before he was arrested in the front yard of a James Street residence about to midnight.

"In a case like this, we make a decision about what we think is a good result," said Douglas County Deputy District Attorney Dina Salvucci, explaining that the plea reduces the maximum amount of sentencing from 20 to five years.

"It's what we think the case is worth," she said. "He is a 19-year-old with no prior criminal history, and no violence. He is a candidate for probation."

Montgomery's next hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Jan. 28 before District Court Judge David Gamble.

Montgomery, who was released on his own recognizance, said the event was alcohol-related. He received a citation for driving under the influence earlier in December.

Montgomery will continue to stay with his parents at Dresslerville Colony. He said his parents do not drink.