Reno officer faces treatment sentence

Monday, March 6, 2000 | 10:04 a.m.

Reno Justice of the Peace Hal Albright on Friday suspended a six-month jail sentence and $1,000 fine for Steven Mussell on the condition he complete the program, which can last from one to three years.

At the same time, Mussell was ordered to spend one day in jail and to pay for the alcohol treatment program as well as nearly $600 in fines.

"We believe that long-term treatment will serve this man better than being incarcerated," said Washoe County Deputy District Attorney Kristen Erickson.

Mussell rear-ended a car Feb. 20 on U.S. Highway 395 in Reno, pinning two children in the back seat. Both children escaped serious injury, as did their mother.

Mussell lawyer Scott Freeman said his client wanted to plead guilty to the misdemeanor charge as soon as possible to take responsibility for his actions. He entered the plea at his Friday arraignment.

"He made a horrible mistake and he wants to move on," Freeman said, adding Mussell's job status hasn't been determined yet.

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