Crime Corner

Man, 79, arrested on child molestation charges

Accused of touching 5 year old in sexual way

A 79-year-old Pahrump man was arrested early this month and charged on various counts related to inappropriate actions with a young child, according to the Nye County Sheriff's Office.

Keith Yoerger was arrested on Dec. 2 on preliminary charges of lewdness with a minor, child sexual abuse and sexual assault with a child under 14.

Nye County Sheriff's Office deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 1500 block of Tiptop Trail about a report of child molestation. At their initial investigation deputies were told a 5-year-old child had been sexually molested.

Yoerger admitted to the allegations during questioning and was arrested and booked into the Nye County Detention Center, where he is being held on $152,500 bond.

Man arrested on shoplifting and drug charges

Attempted to steal several items from Walmart; had drugs in wallet

A Pahrump man was arrested Friday on charges stemming from a shoplifting incident that led to drugs being found in his possession.

Cody Joseph Bradley was taken into custody after he was caught in the act of stealing from Walmart. Asset protection at the store alerted the Nye County Sheriff's Office to Bradley being inside the store, taking security tags off items in the store with the assumption that he was going to shoplift those items.

According to the arrest report, sheriff's deputies arrived at the Walmart while Bradley was still in the store and he was watched by deputies and store employees on security cameras. As Bradley made his way toward the exit with a cart full of items he failed to pay for, two sheriff's deputies met Bradley outside, where he was apprehended when he attempted to flee the scene, police records stated.

When deputies searched the cart Bradley was pushing they found a personal computer, several electronic devices and a blanket, according to police records.

Upon arresting Bradley, a deputy noticed that he was sweating profusely and that his eyes were relaxed and expanded, leading the deputy to conclude Bradley was under the influence of narcotics.

Bradley agreed to taking a urine test, which tested positive for THC, methamphetamines and amphetamines in his system.

Bradley admitted to police that he had smoked marijuana and taken a Xanax pill earlier in the day. When deputies searched Bradley's belongings they located six prescription pills in a small plastic baggie inside of his wallet.

Bradley was arrested on preliminary charges of grand larceny, burglary and possession of a controlled substance and is being held on $20,000 bond.

Man arrested for stealing vehicle

Suspect changed tire of automobile

A man was arrested on Dec. 16 after being found in possession of a stolen vehicle.

Brett Peterson of Pahrump was taken into custody after police found him and another man with the alleged stolen Chevy Blazer.

Witnesses called the Nye County Sheriff's Office and alerted them to a burglary in progress on the 4700 block of Rancho Road. Upon arrival they were told that the suspects left the area and went to the area of Laurence Road and Viva Place.

Deputies found Peterson and the other man and upon questioning he told police that he had changed the tire of the vehicle without the owner's permission, to which the deputy observed a ruined tire on the bed of the truck, police said. Peterson also stated that the registration of the Chevy Blazer was given to him by the owner of the automobile, but then later told police he took it without the owner's knowledge.

While speaking with Peterson, a sheriff's deputy noticed he was twitching and unable to stand still, which is a common sign of someone being on methamphetamines. Peterson admitted to smoking meth earlier in the day, according to police.

The man who was with Peterson said that he was helping him change a tire on the Blazer but suddenly was told by Peterson they had to vacate the area.

The owner of the vehicle was contacted and wanted to press charges against Peterson.

Peterson was arrested and taken to the Nye County Detention Center where he was charged with a preliminary count of first-degree burglary and being under the influence of a controlled substance. His initial bond was $5,000, with the bond amount on the burglary pending.

Contact reporter Mick Akers at makers@pvtimes.com. On Twitter: @mickakers