A Sparks man has been convicted of domestic battery following a physical fight with his wife on September 18.
Sparks Police responded to a call regarding a domestic disturbance and spoke with a woman, who reported that her husband, Mark Ferreira, had grabbed her right wrist and twisted it with significant force during an argument about past relationship issues, causing bruising and pain.
The woman said she was concerned for her safety, as this was the second violent incident since Ferreira returned to the home a week earlier.
The woman told officers Ferreira had a history of physical abuse during their 17-year relationship, including at least six prior incidents, one of which led to criminal charges. She also reported that Ferreira had previously threatened her with a gun and choked her on one occasion.
Officers confirmed the existence of an active Stay Away Order protecting the woman and collected documented evidence of injuries and threatening text messages.
The Sparks Police Department provided the woman with information about a temporary protection order, resources for domestic violence victims, and support for her and her child.
On October 23, the Sparks City Attorney’s Office secured a conviction for domestic battery against Ferreira. Following the conviction, Ferreira was sentenced to 180 days in Washoe County Jail, which was suspended on the condition that he complete six months of counseling, abstain from drugs and alcohol, submit to random testing through the Sparks Municipal Court’s compliance program, have no contact with the victim, and obey all laws.
The Sparks City Attorney's Office said it will continue to aggressively prosecute domestic battery cases, particularly those involving long histories of documented violence.
