Carson City businessman faces embezzlement charges

Longtime Carson City businessman Lenny Chappell faces a preliminary hearing July 24 on charges of embezzlement and theft.

Chappell, 55, allegedly took more than $3,500 from the account belonging to Platinum Plus at Bank of the West and put the money in the Downtown Business Association’s account. According to Carson Sheriff’s investigators, he did so to replace money he originally took from the association’s account.

The complaint was filed in Carson Justice Court May 15 by Tina Russom who was appointed special prosecutor in the case by Douglas County District Attorney Mark Jackson. Douglas County is handling the case because Carson DA Jason Woodbury declared a conflict of interest because he represented Platinum Plus before being elected DA.

Chappell is the former president of the Downtown Business Association and was an employee of the Platinum Day Spa. Doug Speegle of the Carson Sheriff’s Department said Chappell was allegedly taking money from the association and, when they discovered that, sought restitution instead of pressing charges. He’s accused of trying to make restitution using money from the business.

The criminal complaint charged either embezzlement or theft, both of which are Category B felonies carrying a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

Chappell was arrested on the charges May 22 and released on $20,000 bail the same day.

He has a July 24 hearing in Carson City Justice Court.