Sparks policeman accused of stalking

Tuesday, March 14, 2000 | 11:06 a.m.

Sgt. Melvin Gentry, whose racial discrimination suit against the city ended in a hung jury last month, denies the charges. One of his attorneys contends that the woman may have been put up to making the allegations.

Gentry was placed on leave Friday while the Reno Police Department investigates the charges. Neither Deputy Reno Police Chief Jim Weston nor Sparks Police Chief John Dotson would discuss the case.

Gentry sued the city in 1998 after failing to be promoted to sergeant the year before. Jurors failed to reach a verdict last month.

Gentry attorney Diane Vaillancourt said the woman who filed the complaint is a waitress with whom Gentry has had a friendly relationship and has seen a couple of times.

Gentry was disciplined seven years ago for "indecent and suggestive" behavior toward a woman he had pulled over during a traffic stop. He allegedly asked the woman about her marital status and dating habits while writing her a traffic citation.

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