Douglas ex-deputy sentenced in DUI, domestic battery

MINDEN - A former Douglas County Sheriff's Deputy who pleaded no contest to charges that he battered his wife and drove drunk was sentenced Monday to two six-month suspended sentences.

Senior Judge Edward Dannan, filling in for East Fork Justice Jim EnEarl, sentenced Jason Cypher to 15 days in jail on each charge, but gave him credit for time served.

Because Cypher served 35 days after his arrest Sept. 14, he will not have to serve additional jail time.

"I don't have a whole lot to say," Cypher said, fighting back tears. "I can't go back and fix it. I owe a lot of people apologies, I negatively affected quite a few people."

Cypher, 37, was arrested early Sept. 14 at Ironwood Drive and Highway 395 in Minden after a witness reportedly observed him striking his wife. A criminal complaint alleged he pulled her hair and punched her numerous times.

Cypher's preliminary breath test for alcohol was .161, more than twice the legal limit for driving in Nevada, according to a Nevada Highway Patrol report.

Cypher resigned Sept. 25 after 15 years with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

The victim, who is in the process of divorcing Cypher, read a lengthy statement which she said detailed numerous instances of physical and psychological abuse.

The couple was married a year ago, but the victim said the alleged abuse began months earlier.

Her mother and stepfather also read statements.

Prosecutor Gerald Gardner, assistant Carson City district attorney, said the number one concern Is the safety of the victim and her family.

"We need to protect her and her family from his need to control women through intimidation and violence," Gardner said.

Cypher's lawyer, Laurence Peter Digesti, said he was taken aback by the woman's "character assassination" of his client.

"Ninety-five percent of this occurred before they were married. If their life was so bad, why in God's good name did she marry him in November 2006?" Digesti asked.

Dannan ordered Cypher to complete domestic violence counseling, which he has begun, and stay away from the victim and her family.

He also cannot consume drugs or alcohol or possess a weapon.

Dannan released Cypher from house arrest and placed him on informal probation to make sure he completes counseling.

He said Cypher lost his job, was unemployed and "saw his career go down the drain."

Dannan said he had no reason to sentence Cypher differently than any other first-time offender.

He told the victim and her family he didn't believe they had reason to fear Cypher.

"He is one of the most interested persons in turning his life around I have ever sentenced," Dannan said.