Ex-trucking employee arrested after backing semi into Bunny Ranch brothel
MOUND HOUSE, Nev. (News 4 & Fox 11) — An ex-trucking employee is behind bars this afternoon after stealing an 18-wheeler and backing it into the Moonlite Bunny Ranch brothel in Mound House on Thursday morning, according to the Director of Corporate Safety for Central Transport.
Bill Chapman confirms to News 4 that Brian Brandt, 40, was terminated by the company on Feb. 14, 2017, due to accident related measures.
Earlier this morning, a Lyon County Sheriff's Office spokesman told News 4 and Carson Now that it was believed the suspect was a former brothel employee. That has since been retracted by the Lyon County Sheriff's Office.
"Earlier reports from statements made at the scene indicated Brandt was a former employee of the Moonlite Bunny Ranch," according to a news release from Lyon County Sheriff's Office. "Our records and further investigation shows Brandt was never an employee of the Moonlite Bunny Ranch or any other brothel in Lyon County."
The LCSO news release confirms the driver of the truck was arrested at the scene and has been identified as Brian Brandt, 40, of Reno. He has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon, destruction of property of another, and possession of stolen property. Brandt is currently being held at the Detention Facility in Yerington.
Chapman says that an employee at his Sparks facility was physically assaulted with a 4-foot steel bar on May 17, 2017 and that Brandt was apprehended by police shortly after. According to the Washoe County Sheriff's Office booking log, Brandt was arrested on May 17 on battery and conspiracy to destroy property charges.
On the morning of Thursday, May 25 an employee arrived at the Sparks trucking dock and found several windows shattered and a door kicked in. The employee notified Chapman of a missing truck and trailer.
After an 18-wheeler back into the entrance of the brothel, authorities determined that Brandt has stolen the truck and trailer, according to Chapman.
Chapman and brothel owner Dennis Hof are working together to make sure the damages are taken care of appropriately.
The truck involved was carrying a large load of Amazon freight, however, Chapman says the Lyon County Sheriff's Office has released all of the packages back to Central Transport and that delivery dates should not be interrupted.
According to the Lyon County Sheriff's Office, Brandt is being held at the Yerington Detention Facility on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, and malicious destruction of property.