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Monday, August 3, 2026 at 8:53 AM
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Fernley couple charged with child, animal abuse or neglect

Fernley couple charged with child, animal abuse or neglect

A Fernley couple who are both teachers at Silverland Middle School were arrested July 19 on charges of child abuse or neglect and animal neglect after deputies responded to a 911 call from a child.

Donald Speth, 57, and Trista Speth, 54, were arrested after deputies responding to a home on Stallion Ct. following a 911 call by a child determined the home was unsafe for the children and animals living there.

Deputies responded to the home at 4:04 p.m. July 19 after the child called 911 and complained about mice in the home. Deputies said the child’s mother took the phone and said everything was okay.

Deputies said they were given consent to enter the home and immediately noticed the strong odor of urine and animal feces. They described the home as being in “deplorable” condition with mouse feces, dog urine and dog feces spread on the floor, and trash scattered throughout the home.

The deputies also said there were two large dogs in kennels that were stepping on their own feces and urine. Fernley Animal Services also responded and determined that two dogs and two guinea pigs were severely neglected and that the dogs did not have regular access to food or water.

Deputies said they also saw two dead mice in a bathtub and multiple mice running throughout the house, as well as mouse feces on the kitchen floors and counters, including on kitchen utensils and pans.

A deputy reported that a representative of the Division of Child and Family Services wouldn’t be able to respond until the next day, so the children were placed in a safe environment.

Both Donald and Trista Speth were transported to the Lyon County Jail in Yerington, and bail was set at $154,140.

The Lyon County School District said they were both placed on administrative leave.


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Comment author: Kayla Allen Comment text: Suzie was a wonderful woman. I was pleased to call her my "godmother" as she helped me to become a better version of myself. I think about her a lot. Comment publication date: 7/10/26, 8:31 PM Comment source: Susanne Lynn Foster Comment author: Sheena Nash Comment text: After the trivia night is over, I would love for you to print the questions. I grew up in Fernley and would be interested to see how many answers I know. The coin is beautiful. Congrats on 25 years as a city! Comment publication date: 6/22/26, 1:38 PM Comment source: City of Fernley planning 25th anniversary celebration with three days of community events C Comment author: Carl C. Hagen Comment text: Maybe there is more to this story than what is reported, but it seems to me that the businesses that are causing this problem ought to be paying for this, or at least a major portion of it. Why does the County have to pay the whole bill? Just my opinion. Comment publication date: 5/7/26, 10:26 AM Comment source: Storey County, Tesla partner to extend I-80 Patrick on-ramp Comment author: Alan Reeder Comment text: Great guy, laughed easily, had fun with his students, enjoyed our time together at FHS! Comment publication date: 4/23/26, 10:23 PM Comment source: Howard David Jackson Comment author: Jack & Nancy Cook Comment text: Wonderful man. Created a precious family with Linda. Will always respect and admire his contribution to teaching at FHS. Comment publication date: 4/18/26, 10:27 AM Comment source: Howard David Jackson Comment author: JeffDickerson Comment text: Very well reported, even though our motion was denied. Comment publication date: 4/15/26, 11:05 AM Comment source: Judge allows Fernley City Council to proceed with corrective agenda item in Lau expulsion case
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