Also published in the High Desert Advocate in the September 17, 2021 Edition
Deputy Richard Lespade, arrested for Sex Charges, Battery and Drug Charges. Total bail of $770,000. (photo credit Elko Count Jail)
From a press release from the Elko County Sheriff’s, the High Desert Advocate learned that an arrest warrant was issued for Deputy Richard Lespade. On September 8, 2021, the Elko County Sheriff’s Office worked in cooperation with the Elko Police Department to affect the arrest of Deputy Lespade. The warrant of arrest was for two counts of Sexual Assault, Battery with the Intent to Commit a Sexual Assault, and Sale or Transportation of a Controlled Substance with a total bail of $770,000.
Upon learning of the initial allegations, the Elko County Sheriff’s Office immediately placed Deputy Lespade on administrative leave. Further, the Elko County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a separate internal affairs investigation into the incident.
The initial offense(s) are alleged to have occurred in 2014, prior to Sheriff Aitor Narvaiza being elected. The Elko County Sheriff’s Office understands that these are very significant allegations against a member of their office and said that they will work diligently to discover the facts surrounding this case.
Sheriff Narvaiza said he will not tolerate this type of behavior from a member of this agency and would like to assure our communities that he fully supports both the criminal and administrative investigations.
Sheriff Narvaiza also fully supports the Elko County District Attorney’s Office in their decision to charge this case. The Sheriff’s Office will provide full cooperation with the criminal investigation, as well as ensure that the administrative investigation is completed in a thorough and timely fashion.
*This case remains under investigation. All inquiries regarding the case should be made to the Elko Police Department.
