News briefs for May 13, 2004

Thursday, May 13, 2004 | 9:24 a.m.

Parole possible for teen who killed dad

The state Parole Board will decide within a month whether Conan Pope, who killed his father in January 2000, should be released from prison.

A panel of the board, meeting in Indian Springs, heard Pope, 19, ask for release. In the hearing and in a prior hearing two years ago, Pope maintained that his father had long abused him and his sister.

Pope pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter with use of a deadly weapon in the shooting of his father, Frank Pope, 62. At the time, the son was 15 years old.

He was sentenced to consecutive 2- to 7 1/2-year prison terms. The Parole Board two years ago granted him parole from his first term.

A spokesman for the board said today the panel will make a recommendation, and then the full board will vote. It will be several weeks before a decision is announced, he said.

Doctor indicted in Medicare case

A Las Vegas podiatrist was indicted by a federal grand jury Wednesday on 86 felony counts of health care fraud, according to U.S. Attorney Daniel G. Bogden.

Dr. Nick T. Nguyen, 39, a podiatrist operating at 3009 W. Charleston Blvd., is alleged to have defrauded Medicare by "billing and seeking reimbursements for ingrown toenail surgeries and other services that were not performed or rendered," Bogden said.

The alleged fraud occurred from May 15, 1999, to March 25, 2003, he said.

If convicted, Nguyen is facing up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count.

Nguyen is summoned to appear in court for an initial appearance and arraignment on May 21.

Smoke detectors going to seniors

The Clark County Fire Department will be installing free smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for senior citizens who live in mobile home parks today and Friday.

Fire crews and volunteers with the American Association of Retired Persons will be visiting these parks:

Shadow Mountain mobile home park at 2800 S. Lamb Blvd. from 10 a.m. to noon today; Storeyville mobile home park at 3755 N. Nellis Blvd. from 1 to 4 p.m. today; and the Royal mobile home park at 4470 Vegas Valley Drive from 10 a.m. to noon Friday.

"Statistically seniors, especially those who live in mobile homes, are at a much higher risk from death or injury due to fire than the general population," Fire Chief Earl Greene said.

Firefighters will also provide residents with new batteries for their detectors if necessary.

State forester joins Guinn staff

Gov. Kenny Guinn has brought state Forester Steve Robinson to his staff as an adviser on wildlife, conservation and rural issues.

Robinson, 55, who has been forester since December 2000, will receive a salary of $95,000. Pete Anderson, deputy state forester, will succeed Robinson on July 1 as forester.

Guinn said he is using salary savings in his staff to hire Robinson until July 1. Actually Robinson has been working in the governor's office for several months.

After July 1 a federal grant will be used to pay Robinson's salary. The grant must first be accepted by the Legislative Interim Finance Committee.

Teens arrested over gun in school

Two 15-year-olds were arrested Wednesday morning at Cheyenne High School, accused of having an unloaded gun in a locker, Clark County School District Police said.

Officer Darnell Couthen, spokesman for the school police, said a boy brought the gun to school Wednesday and gave it to a girl, who hid it in her locker.

Another student either saw the gun or heard about it and notified school officials, Couthen said. The weapon was a .25-caliber semi-automatic handgun.

The two teens were arrested on charges of possessing a dangerous weapon on school property.

It's not clear why the boy brought the gun to school.

"We don't believe there was any criminal intent," Couthen said.

He said he's pleased the girl reported the gun to the authorities.

"It's wrong to possess a handgun on school property, whether it's loaded or unloaded," Couthen said. "She did the right thing and we commend her."

Girl hit by car is still critical

An 8-year-old North Las Vegas girl who was hit by a car last week while riding her bike remained in critical condition Wednesday.

Justyne Steffee's family released a statement through University Medical Center thanking the community for its suppport.

Justyne, a third grader at Elizabeth Wilhelm Elementary School, was struck by a speeding car while riding her bike home from a friend's house after school, police said.

The driver of the car, 29-year-old Kimberly Bunch, has not been charged pending results of a blood alcohol test.

Wilhelm Elementary School has set up an account at Wells Fargo Bank for those who would like to donate funds to help with medical bills. Call 799-1750 for more information.

Justyne has received blood from United Blood Services and her family asks members of the community to restock blood supplies.

A bicyclist who was struck

and killed Tuesday morning on Green Valley Parkway has been identified by the coroner's office as 40-year-old Jessie Marie Hinson of Henderson. The driver of the car, 28-year-old Nicole Cowans of Henderson, has not been charged pending the results a blood alcohol test, police said.