Man arrested in child molestation

An 18-year-old man was jailed Thursday in Storey County in the molestation of a 5-year-old boy.

Storey County Sheriff's Sgt. Ken Quirk said the victim told his parents that Zachary Harding, a self-employed Web page designer, had fondled him in some way.

The parents called police Thursday.

Quirk said the boy's parents had taken in Harding, a family friend, after he'd been evicted from his apartment and that Harding occasionally baby-sat for them.

Upon hearing what their child said, the family told Harding to leave, Quirk said.

After interviewing the child, officers found there was enough cause to arrest Harding and he was located at a home in Washoe Valley.

Quirk said a search warrant was issued Friday for Harding's computer, which was still in possession of the alleged victim's parents.

Harding was booked into the Storey County Jail on suspicion of felony lewdness with a minor under the age of 14 and indecent or obscene exposure.

Harding is being held $100,000 bail.