Guilty Verdict Secured in Sexual Assault Against a Child Case

Defendant Fled to Mexico Following Initial Arrest

A jury has convicted 40-year-old William Guerra (dob 6/6/83) on four counts of Sexual Assault Against a Child Under 14.  In 2019, Reno Police initially responded to a report of a 15-year-old girl who had disclosed to a social worker that she had been sexually molested by Guerra multiple times when she was between 9 and 13 years old.

In an interview with police, the defendant admitted to engaging in several, different types of sexual behavior with the victim, and that the assaults stopped when she pulled a kitchen knife on him. Following his arrest, Guerra posted $7,500 bail before fleeing to Mexico. The victim’s family subsequently followed to Mexico, living down the street from the defendant for three years before he attempted to re-enter the United States illegally and was arrested.

Following his re-arrest, investigators with the Washoe County District Attorney’s Office managed to locate and contact the victim, now an adult, in Mexico. With the assistance of federal agencies, the office obtained permission to transport the victim back to Reno for the trial, allowing her to obtain justice that was long delayed when he fled the area and hid from prosecution.

Deputy District Attorneys Amanda Sage and Darby Phelps prosecuted the case, with the Honorable Judge David Hardy presiding. Sentencing is set for July 11, 2024.