After deliberating for about four hours, a Washoe County jury, for a second time, found a Reno man guilty of sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl, whom he allegedly had “groomed” to be his sexual playmate.
Washoe District Judge Steven Elliott ordered Edwin Sevrence to return to court on Sept. 10 to be sentenced on the two counts: sexual assault of a child under 14, and lewdness with a child.
He could face a maximum of life in prison on the charges.
Sevrence was convicted in 2005 on the same charges, but appealed the conviction. Last year, the Nevada Supreme Court ruled Elliott should have called a mistrial after it was learned that a juror had connections to Sevrence’s parental rights case, and ordered a new trial.
His new trial started last week, and ended with closing arguments late Wednesday.
Deputy District Attorney Kelli Ann Viloria said she was thrilled.
“I’m pleased the jury came to what I believe was a proper verdict,” she said. “This was about the children -- the girl and her siblings. They deserved to be believed.”
“Hopefully now they can move ahead.”
Sevrence’s lawyer, Roger Whomes, said they respect the jury’s decision, but said he would likely appeal again.
The girl, now 14, testified that Sevrence would take her into his bed at night, and use a lubricant as he touched her inappropriately. She also said he made her fondle him once while they were in the bathroom together, and made her show her private parts to her brothers.
Whomes argued that there were inconsistencies in her statements, and told the jury that the findings of a sexual assault nurse with the Child Abuse Response & Evaluations, or CARES program were later found to be incorrect.
But the jury found in favor of the child and Viloria.
I knew him when he lived in Ohio. They lived in a shack which is now torn down and he had constant problems with the law. He was a hoarder and his shack looked exactly like the houses shown on hoarders. Was found not guilty of threatening the dog wardens life for putting down his vicious dog. Then as children's services started asking questions they packed up and moved to Reno.
ReplyDeleteAbout a year later I was sitting in a restaurant with my wife and got a call from him but didn't answer it. After listening to the message it was from jail after the arrest for this crime, begging to borrow money to get bailed out. Looks like he's where he belongs for the rest of his life.
I was one of his children. He is a horrible person! I don’t remember anything about my childhood but I can only assume that it was quite traumatizing. I was removed from the home when I was two years old and as far as the reports say he molested all of his children as well. So sad.
Deletewho whoever wrote this can you please email me at charmedgurl78@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteIs this our birth dad?
DeleteI knew this creep when he was 17 years old, he was dating a girl named Dolores, he raped all the girls in the neighborhood including my sister when she was 5. I think where he's at is the best place he can be for the rest of his life. He should have been put there 30 years ago.
ReplyDelete