An admitted sex offender, out on bail and awaiting sentencing, was back in custody Thursday afternoon when Carson City detectives arrested Darren Sweetland for allegedly driving drunk in violation of his bail conditions.
Sweetland, 37, pleaded guilty Dec. 2, to felony battery with intent to commit sexual assault in an Oct. 19, 2002, incident in which he allegedly molested an 8-year-old girl as her mother slept in a nearby room. When the mother confronted Sweetland, he allegedly held her at knifepoint and threatened to hurt her if she told anyone, according to police reports.
He posted a $100,000 bail in Oct. 2002 and was awaiting a Feb. 2 sentencing on the sexual assault charge when he was arrested Sunday by Carson City police for allegedly driving drunk.
Two days later, Sweetland posted a $2,500 bail and was released from jail, despite the fact that the DUI arrest put him in contempt of his felony bail conditions.
Thursday afternoon District Court Judge Michael Griffin signed an arrest warrant prepared by District Attorney Noel Waters, and Sweetland was taken into custody at his home on Nevada Street.
"We couldn't be happier," said the victim's stepmother on behalf of the girl's parents.
"We feel like our faith has been restored in the justice system. We know no other children will be endangered by him," she added.
Contact F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.
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