Contractor to be tried in two molestation trials

Staff reports

A Carson City contractor accused of molesting two young girls will have two separate trials beginning in August.

Robert Hilke Jr., 51, is charged with two felony counts of open and gross lewdness with a child under 14 and six counts of gross misdemeanor open and gross lewdness.

The trial on allegations that Hilke repeatedly fondled a then-16-year-old girl between June and December 2005 will begin Aug. 18.

In one of the six gross misdemeanor counts Hilke allegedly grabbed the teen victim's leg and said, "One of these days I am going to have sex with you," the complaint states.

A trial is set for Sept. 2 on charges that Hilke allegedly pulled aside the bathing-suit bottoms of a 9-year-old girl and looked at her on at least two occasions between June and November 2005.

Hilke remains free on $50,000 bail.

He is the owner of Hilke Construction in Carson City.