A Sparks man who was on probation for drug trafficking has had his probation revoked and been sentenced to additional prison time for illegal firearm possession and trafficking drugs in a second case.

Mario Fertini Jr. (dob 8/3/89) was first arrested in December of 2019 following a pursuit by a Washoe County Sheriff’s deputy that ended in the arrest of the defendant and the recovery of 41.55 grams of methamphetamine and 24.33 grams of heroin. As a result of that arrest, Fertini was sentenced to a 4-10 year prison sentence, suspended for a 36-month term of probation.

However, less than a year after receiving probation on his first case, officers with the Regional Narcotics Unit were informed that Fertini was once again trafficking and selling narcotics in the area. During a police operation to purchase drugs from the defendant, involving the Regional Narcotics Unit, Repeat Offender Unit, and Department of Public Safety, Fertini was arrested and more than 4,000 grams, or approximately ten pounds, of methamphetamine was recovered. In addition to the large quantity of methamphetamine, during a search of Fertini’s apartment, officers located a handgun in his bedroom.

The Honorable Judge Scott Freeman revoked Fertini’s initial probation and sentenced him to serve the 4-10 years for the first case and subsequently issued a consecutive life sentence with parole eligibility after 22 years for the second case.

A recording of the press release for media can be heard below. Mug shots can be found on the WCDA Facebook and Twitter accounts.