"You're actually bringing them into town, according to the offense synopsis," he said. "That really gives me pause when I see that activity taking place."
Montero sentenced her to 18 to 45 months in prison, which was suspended, and placed her on probation for 36 months. He also ordered her to pay a public defender fee of $1,500.
The judge said he wanted to "ensure the probation has some meaning" and his sentence was stiffer than what the Nevada Division of Parole and Probation recommended.
He noted that Benjamin had been working as a bartender in Elko but told her, "that's not in your future any longer." One of the rules of her probation prohibits her from frequenting an establishment whose primary business is selling alcohol.
Public Defender Matt Stermitz said Benjamin has struggled with addiction issues in the past. He said she plans to move to Illinois to pursue a clean lifestyle and has the support of family.
Roger Whomes, Humboldt County deputy district attorney, said Benjamin has been in treatment before and "apparently that didn't stick."
He said it appeared Benjamin was getting away from "those nasty people who got her here."
Benjamin told the judge that she needed an opportunity to get her life together. She plans to do that by moving out of the state.
According to court documents, a confidential source arranged to buy methadone in Winnemucca from Benjamin in April of 2011.
After she was arrested, Benjamin was released on her own recognizance in October of 2011 and left the area. A warrant was issued for her arrest and she was picked up in Elko County in February.
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