A Lyon County man accused of seven counts of lewdness and one count of sexual assault, all involving children, is scheduled to appear in court today for an evidentiary hearing.
Virgil A. Stevens, 65, a former rancher, is accused of committing sex crimes against three girls who range in age from 6 to 13. When he was arrested Sept. 25, he reportedly admitted to the crimes.
Stevens lives in Dayton and managed a local ranch until early last year. Information about the nature of the sex acts is being withheld because the case is an "active prosecution," Chief Deputy District Attorney John Schlegelmilch said. "The crimes were discovered when one of the victims came forward."
Schlegelmilch said it is likely that Stevens will waive today's hearing, opting instead to face the charges in a Yerington district courtroom.
A plea agreement may also be in the works, Schlegelmilch said. Even if convicted for one count of lewdness, Stevens could be sentenced to life with the possibility of parole in 10 years, according to Nevada statutes. Schlegelmilch said Stevens' health is deteriorating and if convicted it is unlikely he would leave prison alive.
Each of the eight charges carries a penalty of life with the possibility of parole.
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