Sparks, NV - City Attorney Wes Duncan announces two recent convictions

Domestic Battery Conviction from incident occurring on September 3, 2025
On September 3, 2025, officers responded to a domestic disturbance at a residence in Sparks, Nevada. Officers were initially alerted to the scene when they heard a woman screaming while investigating an unrelated nearby vehicle accident. Upon arrival, the officers made contact with the Defendant, Thomas Riley, and the female victim at the front door of the residence. The female victim was crying profusely, which prompted officers to remove her from the home. She informed the officers that two children, ages 8 and 10, were still inside with the Defendant who was notably uncooperative, refusing to speak to the officers, and holding a firearm.

While officers continued attempting to make contact with the Defendant, the female victim informed officers that the Defendant had returned home in an agitated state, yelled at her, threw a shoe at her and punched her in the arm. Further, officers observed visible injuries to her right inner thigh and left upper arm consistent with her statements.

After much prompting by law enforcement, the Defendant eventually came out of the residence with his hands up, appearing as if he was going to comply with law enforcement's commands. However, upon approaching the Defendant he attempted to retreat back into the residence. Based on the Defendant's previous aggression and uncooperativeness, the Defendant was tazed and eventually detained.

After assisting the female back into the residence to be with the minor children still in the home, she further explained that the Defendant appeared intoxicated upon his return home, yelled at her, demanded to see her phone, and accused her of inappropriate behavior. Further, she indicated that aside from hitting her with a shoe and punching her in the arm, the Defendant also broke her phone and a box full of school supplies.

Officers spoke with the Defendant regarding the incident, who admitted to having a difficult night but refused to address anything else.

On October 16, 2025, Senior Assistant City Attorney Ana Swanson represented the City of Sparks and secured a conviction for Domestic Battery and Resisting an Officer against the Defendant.

As result of the conviction, the Defendant was sentenced as follows:
The Defendant was sentenced to 180 days in the Washoe County Jail suspended on the condition he complete 2 days jailtime or 48 hours of community service, $200 fine plus administrative assessments plus $35 Domestic Violence fee, comply with Child Protective Services plan, complete 26 weeks of domestic violence counseling, parenting classes, abstain from drugs and alcohol, submit to random search and seizure, complete random testing with the compliance track or Sober24, and obey all laws.

The Sparks City Attorney's Office believes this conviction continues to display its commitment to holding domestic batters accountable.

Domestic Battery Conviction from incident occurring on September 18, 2025
Sparks Police Department received a call for service regarding a domestic disturbance. Officers arrived on the scene and contacted the victim, who was reporting party, and advised a physical altercation had occurred with her husband, Mark Ferreira.

The victim disclosed to officers an argument escalated as the two were discussing past relationship issues. Ferreira grabbed the victim's right wrist and twisted it with significant force, causing bruising and pain. The victim expressed concern for her safety as this was the second violent incident since Ferreira's return to the residence a week prior. Despite Ferreira's sobriety, the victim was concerned about Ferreira's escalating aggression.

The victim disclosed that Ferreira had a history of physical abuse during their 17-year relationship. Reports indicated at least six prior incidents of abuse, one of which led to criminal charges against Ferreira. The victim mentioned Ferreira had previously threatened her with a firearm about a year and a half ago and choked her on one occasion.

During the investigation, officers confirmed the existence of an active Stay Away Order, wherein the victim was the protected party. The victim provided officers with documented evidence of her injuries and threatening text messages from Ferreira.

Sparks Police Department recognized serious allegations presented in this case and provided the victim with information regarding a temporary protection order, resources for domestic violence victims, and support for her and her child.

On October 23, 2025, the Sparks City Attorney's Office secured a conviction for Domestic Battery against Ferreira. The Sparks City Attorney's office will continue to aggressively prosecute domestic battery, especially in cases where there are years of documented violence.

As result of the conviction, Ferreira was sentenced to 180 days of Washoe County Jail suspended on the condition he complete 6 months of counseling, abstain from drugs and alcohol, submit to random testing through the Sparks Municipals Court's compliance track, no contact with the victim, and obey all laws.