Sex Offender Attempts to Flee Sentencing

Sex Offender Out On Bail Sentenced to Life After Failed Attempt To Flee

Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks has announced Joseph Walton Brown, age 36 from Reno, has been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole beginning after a minimum of 35 years has been served.  Brown pled guilty earlier this year to one count of Sexual Assault on a Minor Under 14 years of Age.  Prior to the recent sentencing hearing, Brown was released from custody by Reno Justice Court after posting $100,000 cash securing bail.  He attempted to flee on the morning of his original sentencing date and a warrant was obtained for his arrest.  Investigators with this office located Brown a short time later near the area of I-80 and Vista Blvd after he had cut off an ankle monitoring bracelet. When arrested, Brown was found in possession of a new cellular phone and a significant amount of cash.

The case against Brown began on 4/5/2021 when detectives with the Reno Police Department (RPD) began an investigation based on a tip that Brown and a female accomplice had sexually assaulted a 9-year-old relative to the female.  The investigation determined that Brown and Adriana Jane Clark, age 21 (7/10/99) had drugged and filmed the sexual abuse of the child victim. Co-Defendant Clark also pled guilty to a charge of Sexual Assault on a Minor Under 14 years of Age and was sentenced to a term of 35 years to life in prison.   District Court Judge Barry Breslow imposed the sentences for both Brown and Clark.

At the August 11^th sentencing, Deputy District Attorney Adam Cate argued that based upon the heinous nature of the crime Brown should never receive parole.  In addition, this office is currently opposing Brown’s request to have the $100,000 portion of bail returned based on his failure to appear at his sentencing hearing in an attempt to evade accountability.