Man charged in sex acts with boy

A 57-year-old Carson City man, suspected of forcing sex acts on a young boy, is in police custody charged with three felony crimes.

John Douglas Sims is accused of lewdness with a child under 14, sexual assault and using a minor in the production of pornography. According to statements from victims, Sims committed at least 10 sex acts and took illicit pictures of a 12-year-old boy.

Several photographs that depict a nude young boy were taken into evidence when Sims was arrested Tuesday afternoon at his home at No. 91 Armagnea St. in the Parc de Maison modular home park, located in the 1700 block of Colorado Street.

Police were led to Sims by a tip received by Secret Witness in Reno. The tipster said Sims had "taken photos, fondled and committed lewd acts with a minor male under the age of 14," a police report states.

"This was a several-week investigation that is still ongoing," said Chief Sheriff's Deputy Scott Burau. "We're looking over all the evidence."

The victim was interviewed by Deputy T.M. Casey, to whom he allegedly confirmed the accusations. Casey wrote "Sims had engaged the victim in 10 acts of lewdness" and "Sims had taken photographs."

Casey wrote descriptions of the sex acts "which included posing naked on Sims' bed while Polaroid pictures were taken by Sims." The victim also told Casey that Sims "wanted to place them on the Internet and send them to his friend."

Additionally, the victim said he allowed Sims to perform the lewd acts "because the victim believed that Sims would harm him if he refused." Sims also reportedly gave the victim money and bought him Pokemon trading cards.

Summaries of the interview are contained in court papers filed as probable cause for Sims' arrest.

During the investigation, deputies went to Carson Lanes, where Sims worked as a clerk. Another worker at the bowling alley led investigators to Sims' locker. Inside were five photographs of the victim, according to police.

Sims reportedly met the victim at the bowling alley. "They had contact and then a relationship developed," Burau said.

During a search of Sims' car and home, investigators took bedding, clothing, a phone list, a Polaroid camera and a computer. Burau said the computer will be examined for evidence.

Investigators are looking into allegations that Sims provided neighbor children, ages 12 and 14, with marijuana and pornographic materials, according to court papers. In written statements, one of the alleged victims said Sims made lewd comments and sexual advances.

Sims has not been charged in that case. Through his lawyer, he told police the boys were making the statements because they were scared of being implicated in a neighborhood break-in.

Bail for Sims, a Providence, R.I. native, was raised from $80,000 to $250,000 during a scheduling appearance in justice Court Judge John Tatro's courtroom Wednesday morning. He is scheduled to return to court for an hearing Dec. 7. Sims has lived in Carson City for about 10 years. He has no local criminal record.