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William John Tidmarsh, 41, of Pahrump, a Nye County Sheriff's deputy, was arrested Feb. 13 and charged with battery, second-degree kidnapping, open and gross lewdness and oppression under the color of office.

Tidmarsh was released after posting $9,632 bail and placed on administrative leave with pay, pending completion of an investigation into the allegations.

"Last year, Nevada legislators passed the Peace Officer Bill of Rights," said Sheriff Tony DeMeo. "We are required by law to pay an accused officer until an investigation is completed."

Tidmarsh was reported to the sheriff's office by a woman, alleging he assaulted her while giving her a courtesy ride to her home from a local bar Feb. 8 because she had been drinking.

According to DeMeo, the kidnapping charge stems from the fact that Tidmarsh allegedly did not take the woman directly to her residence.