Dally Petty
A 27-year-old Fernley man is in custody on allegations of sexual abuse and child pornography, according to the Churchill County District Attorney’s Office.
Dally Ty Petty is being held in the Churchill County Jail on $300,000 bond after he was arrested July 17 on a warrant at his home in Fernley. The story was first reported by KRNV in Reno after an ex-girlfriend notified the television station.
Petty is charged with one count of unlawful use of a minor less than 14 in producing pornography and one count of lewdness with a child under 14. According to the criminal complaint, Petty allegedly recorded himself and the child engaging in sexual conduct and also lewdly touching the child.
Both are Category A charges and carry a sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole after 10 years.
According to the warrant, Petty created the video and allegedly abused the child on or about June 24 in Fallon.
Petty is represented by Sparks attorney Jesse Kalter and will appear Sept. 11 for a hearing in Justice Court.
The case, meanwhile, has generated a flurry of social media activity with dozens of posts. Petty’s ex-girlfriend, Krysta Lynn Page, reported the alleged criminal acts to law enforcement. However, she has revealed sensitive and detailed information about the case on Facebook, which prompted Churchill County DA Art Mallory to stress to individuals to refrain from discussing any aspect of the case online.
Mallory said Tuesday public chatter could cause for difficulties in prosecuting and perhaps tainting a jury pool, which would force the case to move to another jurisdiction.
Most importantly, Mallory said his office is “concerned for the child psychologically.”
In addition, the long-time DA said, “Anything that could inflame the jury and prejudice the case we are concerned about inflammatory complaints.”
Sheriff Ben Trotter echoed Mallory’s comments and said “people need to let the system do its job.”
“People spouting off on social media could potentially taint the case,” he added. “It’s not fair to the child or the parents.”
In addition, Trotter said potential civil liabilities and violations of confidentiality may be an issue for Page.
In other court news —
The woman who collided with former Churchill County Sheriff Rich Ingram appeared Tuesday in District Court for her arraignment.
Jennifer Czichotzki pleaded guilty to one felony count of neglect of duty in willful or wanton disregard of persons resulting in substantial bodily harm.
Czichotzki hit Ingram on March 26 while under the influence of alcohol and left the scene. She was later arrested and charged with several felonies.
As part of her plea deal, Czichotzki agreed to the amended count plus a misdemeanor driving under the influence charge.
She faces one to five years in prison, although is eligible for probation. Czichotzki will be sentenced Nov. 4.
Angius Sir Allen Hearne, 28, pleaded guilty to one count of attempt to commit burglary on Tuesday.
Hearne was arrested Aug. 15 after sheriff’s deputies discovered he burglarized two properties on Bell-Aire Lane.
He faces one to five years in prison and will be sentenced Nov. 4. Hearne was also released on his own recognizance.