Carson City businessman to enter plea Feb. 9 to embezzlement charge

Carson City businessman Lenny Chappell is scheduled to enter a plea Feb. 9 in Carson City District Court to one count of conspiracy to commit embezzlement.

That plea bargain is conditioned on his making restitution of the more than $3,500 he was charged with taking from an account belonging to Platinum Plus Day Spa at Bank of the West. He used the money to replace cash he took from the Downtown Business Association’s account while he was chairman of that organization.

Chappell was originally charged with felony embezzlement. In order to get the plea deal reducing his offense to gross misdemeanor conspiracy, he must make that restitution before the Feb. 9 sentencing before District Judge James Wilson.

Douglas County District Attorney Mark Jackson said it’s his understanding “the victims are on board” with the deal.

Conspiracy to commit embezzlement is punishable by up to a year in prison and a $2,000 fine. Felony embezzlement, however, is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Chappell remains free on $20,000 bail pending sentencing.

Jackson’s office handled the case because District Attorney Jason Woodbury represented Platinum Plus as a private attorney before his election.