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A man convicted of domestic battery will spend at least 180 days in jail. 

The Sparks City Attorney’s Office says Donovan Sanford was convicted of one count of Domestic Battery, second offense, and one count of Violate an Extended Order for Protection Against Domestic Violence, first offense, stemming from an incident that occurred on June 6, 2025.

Prosecutors say police dispatch received a text message saying 'DV' and 'DONOVAN SANFORD' and confirmed that the phone number belonged to a victim in one of the cases. Authorities say an Extended Protective Order expired earlier in March and that he had three outstanding arrest warrants - all related to either active or pending domestic violence cases.

Officers arrived on scene and met the victim, who invited them inside the residence. Sanford, instead, tried to close the door. Eventually, he was detained and arrested. 

Prosecutors say the victim told them that Sanford came to the residence to see their child, despite the victim telling Sanford not to come. Authorities say Sanford forced his way inside and punched the victim in the leg. When she tried to contact 911, he followed her and made her keep the door open and threatened her with pepper spray. The victim eventually managed to send a text to 911 while he was in other room visiting their daughter. 

On November 3, 2025, the Sparks City Attorney’s Office secured a conviction on both charges for Domestic Battery, second offense, and Violate an Extended Order for Protection Against Domestic Violence, first offense, against Sanford. Sanford had recently been convicted on separate charge on October 23, 2025, for a felony, Domestic Battery by Strangulation on the same victim.

Sanford was sentenced to 180 days Washoe County Jail active for the Domestic Battery, second offense, and further sentenced under the Violate an Extended Order for Protection Against Domestic Violence, first offense, charge to 90 days Washoe County Jail suspended for 2 years consecutive to the 180 days on the condition Sanford report upon release, obey all laws, and have no contact with the victim.

(City of Sparks convicted to this report.)