Sentencing on Lewdness Case

District Attorney Announces Reno Man Sentenced to Life

The Washoe County District Attorney’s Office announces a Reno man has been sentenced to life in prison for a charge of lewdness with a child committed against two female victims. The man pled guilty earlier this year and was sentenced yesterday to a maximum term of life in prison with a possibility of parole after 10 years has been served.

Douglas Gene Branson, 46, from Reno, was sentenced yesterday on one count of Lewdness with a Child Under the Age of 14 Years in Washoe County District Court. Branson pled guilty to the charge in September and was accused of molesting the female victims over the course of many years.  Branson was arrested in July after the Reno Police Department (RPD) received a report of lewdness with a minor involving a female relative.  The investigation led to the involvement of a second victim who had lived in the same household as Branson in prior years.  RPD Detectives worked with the Washoe County Child Advocacy Center (CAC)as part of this center’s multi-disciplinary approach to the investigation and prosecution of crimes committed against children.  In addition to prosecutors, investigators and medical professionals, counselors and advocates work with victims as they deal with the court process and the psychological effects of the crime. This is the second sex offender this month to receive a life sentence for having victimized a child in this community.        

Deputy District Attorney Nicole Hicks, who is the CAC Director, prosecuted the case against Branson. During sentencing, one of the young victims provided a letter that detailed the difficult time she has had dealing with being victimized, particularly how it has affected her ability to trust and have happiness in her life.