Man who blew up apartment loses bid to delay sentencing

A Las Vegas man who blew up his apartment in January will not be allowed to enter a substance abuse program sponsored by the Salvation Army.

District Judge Joseph Pavlikowski denied a defense motion that would have allowed Michael McGilbra, 40, to enter the six-month program and delay his sentencing on an explosives charge.

Bob Caruso, Clark County deputy public defender, said the Salvation Army had already agreed to "audition" McGilbra for a two-week period. The program focuses on substance abuse and the Bible. Participants who do well eventually are allowed out on weekends and work in the organization's thrift store, Caruso said.

McGilbra is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 16 on a single count of endangering property by explosives. He was arrested after his apartment roof was blown off Jan. 4 and neighboring apartments were severely damaged.

McGilbra lived at La Fiesta Apartments, 1492 N. Lamb Blvd.

Authorities said McGilbra, who had been drinking heavily, was trying to commit suicide when he disconnected the natural gas line behind his stove and fell asleep. When McGilbra woke up, he lit a match so he could smoke a cigarette.

On July 26 McGilbra pleaded guilty to the explosives charge. Under the plea agreement, Pavlikowski could sentence McGilbra to probation or from two to six years.

archive