Court briefs for January 4, 2002

Friday, Jan. 4, 2002 | 9:39 a.m.

Two teens given three to 10 years

Two teenagers accused of stealing Clark County Commissioner Bruce Woodbury's car during a three-day crime spree were each sentenced to three to 10 years in prison by District Judge Jeffrey Sobel Thursday.

Deputy District Attorney Christopher Lalli said William Odom and Biana Gurrola, then 16, last year participated in six carjacking and purse-snatching incidents between Feb. 12 and Feb. 14.

All but one of the incidents happened at hotels, Lalli said.

The two, who used toy guns to commit their crimes, were charged with 11 robbery-related counts and transferred to adult court. As a result of the plea agreement, eight of the counts were dismissed, saving them the potential of an additional 40 years in prison.

Woodbury fell prey to the couple on Valentine's Day at Palace Station. Police said Odom told them they wanted Woodbury's car for a trip to Arizona because it was nicer than one they stole the day before.

The teens were arrested Feb. 15 in Phoenix.

Las Vegas man gets probation

A 35-year-old Las Vegas man was placed on probation for three years Thursday in an October drunken driving accident that killed his best friend.

Should Hugo Wasiak violate the terms of his probation, he could receive a four-year prison term.

Wasiak pleaded guilty to felony reckless driving and a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence.

Deputy District Attorney Patrick Ferguson said Wasiak was driving north on State Route 604 near the Jean airport when he failed to negotiate a curve and lost control of his vehicle, causing it to roll.

Donald Helvie, 36, was thrown from the vehicle and died. Blood tests revealed Wasiak had a blood alcohol level of 0.15. The level in Nevada for proving drunken driving is 0.10.

Wasiak told District Judge Michael Douglas he is remorseful and misses his friend.