Competency in question in teacher's aide sex case

A hearing Dec. 27 will reveal the results of a competency evaluation for a Fernley teacher's aide accused of having sex with a former student.

Tracy Nelson, 37, was sent to Lake's Crossing in Reno for the psychiatric evaluation after her attorney suggested she might not be competent enough to stand trial on the charges.

She was arrested Oct. 19 on suspicion of felony statutory sexual seduction, gross misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor and open and gross lewdness.

According to court records, Nelson, a teacher's aide at Fernley Intermediate School, allegedly engaged in sex with a 15-year-old boy in view of other juveniles. She also allegedly provided alcohol to the boys, whom she'd met the previous year when they attended Fernley Intermediate School.

Lyon County Deputy District Attorney Brandi Jensen said Nelson had agreed to plead to the felony charge until the question of her competency came into play.

Statutory sexual seduction carries a penalty of one to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.