Park Service worker turns self in on casino arson charge

Wednesday, Sept. 22, 1999 | 9:07 a.m.

Steve A. Sandoval, 36, and his attorney, Bob Bell, showed up as agreed to Tuesday at the Washoe County jail.

Sandoval, Sante Fe, N.M., is accused of setting a fire that forced the evacuation of the Atlantis Hotel-Casino in the early morning hours of July 23. He posted a $10,000 bond and is now free on bail.

A Washoe County grand jury indicted him earlier this month on two counts of arson. Bell said Sandoval intends to plead not guilty to both charges.

"This shows his cooperation... We just want to be fully cooperative," Bell told KOLO-TV.

Washoe County Deputy District Attorney David Clifton said Sandoval was caught on a security videotape walking through the 12th floor area of the atrium just before the fire broke out.

"He is the only one who was seen in the immediate area at the time," Clifton said.

The July 23 fire started about 1:45 a.m. It climbed a bank of fake plants in the atrium and sent smoke pouring into the upper floors of both adjoining 18-story hotel towers.

Except for minor smoke inhalation, there were no injuries and fire damage was minimal, although water from sprinklers soaked the high-rise.

Chief Deputy District Attorney David Clifton said Sandoval was staying at the hotel while attending a workshop with about 200 other federal employees. Clifton said he works in administration for the Park Service.

An arraignment date is expected to be set in the next two weeks. If convicted he faces up to 15 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.