Missing anti-brothel crusader spotted in Sacramento

Thursday, Nov. 11, 1999 | 10:01 a.m.

The Washoe County sheriff's office said film from a bank surveillance camera was compared Wednesday with photographs of Reese, leading to his tentative identification.

But investigators said an investigation is continuing to make sure Reese is OK. His exact whereabouts are still unknown.

Authorities also said family members told them Reese had failed to come home for extended periods in the past.

A search began on Monday when Reese's car was found near a brothel east of Reno, the driver's side window broken and bloodstains inside.

Acting on a tip, investigators searched an abandoned mine shaft in the area but found nothing.

Reese, 54, of Reno, was last seen by his wife Sunday night when he left for a meeting at the Old Bridge Ranch brothel next to the padlocked Mustang Ranch.

Reese did not tell his wife what the meeting was about or who he planned to see. It's not known if he arrived at the bordello.

Reese, who admits having visited prostitutes in his younger days, has tried for years to shut down Nevada's legal brothels since becoming a Christian.