Woman upset that man hasn’t served time

Monday, April 17, 2000 | 9:59 a.m.

Las Vegan Eileen Clay is upset with the Clark County justice system over its handling of an ex-boyfriend who allegedly torched her home, then escaped prison.

Clay says Bruce Gelok set fire to the home three years ago, but has never served time for the crime or paid restitution that was due her.

Gelok eventually pleaded guilty to second-degree arson under an agreement in which he did not admit the arson, but acknowledged the county had enough evidence to prove the case.

He was given a suspended sentence and ordered to pay $93,000 restitution, which he has not done.

"It is unbelievable," said Clay, 48. "When you torch someone's home, that is an act of violence, and you should be doing time for it. I lost everthing."

According to Clark County District Court records, Gelok, 51, went to the home while Clay was away and poured gasoline throughout the home, then set it ablaze.

She said she lost everything but felt she would find some solace in seeing Gelok sent to prison.

But after entering his plea, Gelok received a suspended sentence of 48 months with eligibility for parole in 12 months. He was also sentenced to community service, counseling and five years probation and was ordered to pay Clay $93,000 in restitution.

Because the sentence was suspended, Gelok never went to prison. He is now in custody in North Las Vegas on unrelated driving under the influence charges filed before his plea agreement.

Clay says she has received none of the restitution ordered, and is furious with the Clark County District Attorney's office over its handling of the case.

Lynn Robinson, a chief deputy district attorney who oversaw prosecution of the case, said in reaching the plea agreement, prosecutors agreed not to make sentencing recommendations. She and other prosecutors never expected, however, that Gelok would not be sentenced to prison.

District Judge Mark Gibbons, who imposed the suspended sentence, cannot comment on the case because Gelok has appealed.

Police records show Gelok was accused in two other domestic violence incidents in 1993 but was not convicted.