Officer sentenced on domestic violence conviction

Tuesday, June 3, 1997 | 11:32 a.m.

Officer Dennis Bradshaw was convicted in May of domestic battery against his wife for an incident in February. On Monday, he was fined $315 and given a suspended 60-day jail sentence by Justice of the Peace Fidel Salcedo.

A new federal law prohibits anyone convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence from owning or possessing a weapon.

Deputy Reno Police Chief Nile Carson said Bradshaw, a police officer for 22 years, was reassigned to a non-uniform, non-weapon position within the department until officials determine how to comply with the federal mandate.

"We have to find that stuff out," Carson said. "That's why our legal counsel is looking at that, what is required and what options are open."

At the sentencing hearing, Bradshaw's wife of 19-years, Nancy, called the incident an accident that stemmed from her finding out about a secret post office box and bank account that her husband used to buy a Harley Davidson motorcycle.

"I was so mad at Dennis, if I had stubbed my toe, I would have blamed it on him," she said.

Bradshaw said he was "still kind of in disbelief that an argument with your wife can result in the loss of your career and possibly loss of your family."