Convicted molester arrested on drunken-driving charges

A Carson City man awaiting sentencing on charges he molested a 9-year-old girl was released on bail for drunken-driving charges Monday.

Darren Sweetland, 37, was arrested at 6:20 a.m. Sunday at South Curry and Rhoades streets on suspicion of misdemeanor second-offense drunken driving and having an open container of alcohol in the car.

According to the police report, another motorist called police because Sweetland was allegedly driving recklessly and cutting off other vehicles.

When approached by police, Sweetland admitted he'd been drinking and allegedly was measured with .11 blood-alcohol content on a preliminary breath test, the report states. The legal limit is .08.

Sweetland pleaded guilty Dec. 2 to felony battery with intent to commit sexual assault on a minor. He will be sentenced Feb. 2 and faces up to 15 years in prison.

According to court documents, the child said Sweetland, who is known to the family, forced himself on her while her mother slept on the couch Oct. 19, 2002. Hours later, when the mother awakened, the child told her what happened.

When the mother confronted Sweetland, he allegedly threw her onto the bed, pinned her with his knees "then put a knife to her throat and told her he would kill her."

He was out on a $100,000 bail on the felony charge when arrested for the drunken driving.

His bail in the DUI is set at $2,500.

Contact F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.