Sparks man sentenced to 20 years
Found guilty of DUI and leaving the scene
Media Release
For Immediate Release
www.washoecounty.gov/da
Contact: Kendall Holcomb
kholcomb@da.washoecounty.gov
775-328-3223 (o)
A Sparks man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison with eligibility for parole after 6 years have been served. following a jury trial in which he was found guilty of DUI Causing Substantial Bodily Harm and Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Personal Injury. The Honorable Judge Lynn Simons presided over the trial and imposed the sentences, which will run concurrently.
33-year-old Michael O’Farrell (dob 6/9/89) was arrested in May of 2022 following a crash between a motorcycle and a truck near Pyramid and Holman Way in Sparks. When Sparks Police officers arrived on scene, they found the victim, a 28-year-old man, laying in the road with severe injuries. He was taken to Renown where it was noted he was suffering from multiple fractures to his left leg and pelvis, a brain bleed, brain swelling, and abrasions.
The investigation revealed that O’Farrell had been driving his truck, struck the victim’s motorcycle, and then fled the scene. Witnesses were able to provide a description of O’Farrell’s truck and he was arrested later. According to a toxicology report, the defendant had a blood alcohol content of 0.20 an hour after the crash.
Deputy District Attorney Brett Dieffenbach argued for the counts to be run consecutive and for a sentence of 40 years with parole eligible after 16 years. Dieffenbach based this request on O’Farrell driving at two-and-one-half times the legal limit, showing a complete disregard for the victim’s welfare, and the lifelong physical and cognitive issues the victim continues to suffer.