Ask Joe: guilty plea in Silver Springs neglect case

Reno, Nev — It' s case we been following since May ever since a viewer turned to us with concerns about filthy conditions at a home in Silver Springs. When we looked into it we found there was no water service at the home and we confirmed there had been no running for five months.

Now we 've learned the stepmother, Rhonda Hesselgesser, has pleaded guilty to one gross misdemeanor charge of child neglect/abuse.Hesselgesser faces up to one year in the county jail and a $2,000 fine.Lyon County District Attorney Steve Rye tells News 4 probation is more likely in this case.Rye says the stepmother's guilty plea will not likely have an impact on the children who still live in the home.

Hesselgesser's husband John is facing the same charge. His case is still playing out in Lyon County District Court.

It's important to point out our viewer who turned to us with her concerns was later fired from her job with Lyon County Human Services. Brittany Harrell has filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against Lyon County claiming she was retaliated against for speaking out about her concerns for the children. The county has 45 days to file a response to the lawsuit.

As always if you have questions feel free to reach out to me at jhart@mynews4.com and I'll do my best to track down the answers you are looking for.