Bethany Barnes

Story Archive

Former CCSD teacher facing kidnapping, porn charges may need to find new attorney
Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014
The District Court arraignment for former kindergarten teacher Melvyn Perry Sprowson Jr., accused of harboring a runaway teen and producing pornography with her, has been continued so his defense team can evaluate if it can continue to represent him.
Woman, man indicted following shooting on Las Vegas Strip
Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014
A woman was indicted today on charges stemming from what police described as a road-rage-fueled shooting on the Las Vegas Strip.
Language barrier delays arraignment for man accused of killing wife
Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014
Arraignment of a man accused of stabbing his wife to death was delayed this morning because of the judge's language-barrier concerns.
Las Vegas attorney charged with theft of more than $1 million from clients
Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014
Suspended Las Vegas attorney Barry Levinson was arraigned today on charges accusing him of stealing more than $1 million from clients.
Defense granted trial delay in case involving fatal stabbing of pregnant woman
Monday, Jan. 13, 2014
Public defenders will get more time to review previously undisclosed evidence that prosecutors contend includes a Las Vegas woman’s confession in a case involving her stabbing her pregnant sister-in-law to death last year, a judge ruled today. The Public Defender’s Office received an audio recording of the alleged confession last week in the case against Elinor Indico, 31.
News of client's confession to stabbing pregnant woman comes as surprise to public defender
Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014
A public defender said he’s puzzled by prosecutors’ revelations that his client, accused of stabbing her pregnant sister-in-law to death in October, gave a previously undisclosed full confession with no specter of self-defense.
Alleged Texas Mexican Mafia members headed to trial next month on charges they beat a Las Vegas limo driver
Judge tosses gang-related charges and lowers bail; suspects now free
Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014
Two purported members of the Texas Mexican Mafia originally accused of beating a Las Vegas limo driver are free while awaiting trial next month, but they no longer face charges the alleged crimes were gang-related.
Suspect pleads guilty to attacking jailer with baseball bat
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014
The 25-year-old Las Vegas man accused of walking into the security screening area of the county jail last fall and bashing a corrections officer with a baseball bat pleaded guilty Tuesday to a felony charge of battery with use of a deadly weapon. On Sept. 11, 2013, Michael Law walked into the Clark County Detention Center with a baseball bat and started swinging, injuring the first officer he encountered, Metro Police reported.
Former kindergarten teacher ordered to stand trial on porn, kidnapping charges
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014
A former kindergarten teacher in the Clark County School District has been ordered to stand trial on charges related to a romantic relationship with a 16-year-old runaway. At the conclusion of a preliminary hearing this morning, Melvyn Perry Sprowson Jr., 45, was bound over for trial in Clark County District Court on charges of first-degree kidnapping and possession of child pornography.
Trial delayed for men suspected of posing as Mormon missionaries and robbing home
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014
Attorneys for the men accused of posing as Mormon missionaries and committing a strong-armed robbery last summer in Las Vegas will have more time to build their case
Transportation department details road closures for New Year’s Eve
Monday, Dec. 30, 2013
More than 300,000 people are expected to ring in the New Year in Las Vegas. Because many of them will be flocking to the glittery Las Vegas Strip, the Nevada Department of Transportation is restricting vehicle access to Las Vegas Boulevard from Sahara to Tropicana avenues.
Recycling programs helping return Christmas trees to the ground -- as mulch for parks and gardens
Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013
Don’t want to lug the tree to a drop-off site? For $30 1-800-GOT-JUNK will pick up the tree and vacuum up lingering pine needles for $30.
Christmas cheer for children is a day on the job for nonprofit group of emergency workers
Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013
The firefighters pulled up to the house with hopes that this bright, brisk Christmas morning would help ease the memory of the black, smoky night they couldn’t save the mother of 11-year-old Ashley, 10-year-old Lupita and 8-year-old Isaac. Clark County Firefighter Faruk Williams still sees 28-year-old Carmen Soloman’s face from time to time. He recognizes the young mother’s features when he meets her children for the first time on Christmas morning.
Pedestrian dead after being hit by minivan on Christmas Eve
Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013
A pedestrian jaywalking on Maryland Parkway died on Christmas Eve after being hit by a man suspected of driving drunk.
County commission chairman says DA's witness-payment records raise red flags
Monday, Dec. 23, 2013
A witness payment program operated by the Clark County District Attorney’s Office will be the subject of an extensive audit next year after a Las Vegas Sun investigation revealed the program lacked oversight. After reviewing documents obtained by the Sun, Clark County Commission Chairman Steve Sisolak said it was clear the District Attorney’s Office wasn’t keeping proper financial records. Sisolak also doubles as chairman of the commission’s Audit Committee, which is made of three commissioners who review audits conducted by the county.
DA: No charges in beating death at South Point
Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013
An exchange student arrested in the fatal beating of a man Monday at the South Point will not face criminal charges.
Former UNLV basketball player sentenced to community service
Monday, Dec. 16, 2013
A former UNLV basketball player accused of stealing a pair of sneakers and cash from a friend’s apartment was sentenced today to community service on misdemeanor petty larceny and trespassing charges.
Small plane goes down near Fiesta Henderson
Friday, Dec. 13, 2013
A small aircraft went down unexpectedly Friday night in Henderson near Fiesta Casino, according to a spokesman with Clark County Department of Aviation.
Man who says shooting was accident pleads not guilty to murder
Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013
A 22-year-old Army reservist who reportedly told police he thought a gun was unloaded when he shot a woman in the head at his home pleaded not guilty to murder today in Clark County District Court.
Calif. allegations lead to increased bail for teacher accused of kidnapping teen
Monday, Dec. 9, 2013
Bail for the former kindergarten teacher accused of harboring a runaway teen – lowered last week on appeal – was quintupled this morning when the prosecutor told the court about prior accusations from California involving schoolchildren and the defendant.
Man gets prison for leaving crash that killed Metro volunteer
Monday, Dec. 9, 2013
A man who left the scene of an accident that killed a 19-year-old Metro Police volunteer got the maximum prison sentence today of six to 15 years. Clark County District Court Judge Stefany Miley, who struggled to hold back tears while the victim’s family testified, sentenced Jvon Williams, 29, who pleaded guilty in September to leaving the scene of the accident, a felony. Williams apologized to the family in court.
Defense bolsters its case for insanity plea in 2010 ax-slaying of infant
Friday, Dec. 6, 2013
Harold Montague believed he was communicating directly with God when he used a medieval style battle-ax to attack a mother and kill her 4-month-old baby in 2010 on a Las Vegas residential street.
Kindergarten teacher accused of kidnapping gave 16-year-old an STD, prosecutors say
Judge agrees with defendant's appeal, lowers bail to $130,000
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013
A Las Vegas kindergarten teacher accused of harboring a runaway teen gave girl a sexually transmitted disease, prosecutors allege.
Suspect in Drai's shooting pleads not guilty; D.A.'s office to weigh whether case merits death penalty status
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013
The man accused in an October shooting at a popular Las Vegas Strip after-hours club that left one man dead and two wounded pleaded not guilty today in Clark County District Court.
September trial set for teen accused of killing mother, brother
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013
A trial date has been set for Sept. 22, 2014, for the 16-year-old accused of killing his mother and 9-year-old brother.
Despite décor, courtroom hasn't gone to the dogs, judge insists
Monday, Dec. 2, 2013
Those working in the justice system often quip that “Law & Order” doesn’t prepare the general public for what it’s really like in a courtroom. The joke isn’t usually intended to refer to courtroom décor. But go to courtroom A on the 15th floor of the Clark County Regional Justice Center. On the bench is District Judge Kathleen Delaney, clad in a kelly green robe. On giant canvases around the courtroom are oversized photos of basset hounds.
Hearing delayed for man accused of sexually assaulting 13-year-old girl
Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013
An arraignment for a man accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl outside a school was delayed today after his family ran out of money to pay for his private attorney.
Man charged in carjacking that killed officer will face trial in June
Monday, Nov. 25, 2013
The man charged in the deaths of a California Highway Patrol officer and another man thrown from the back of a pickup truck reported stolen from a Strip hotel pleaded not guilty in Clark County District Court today.
Woman accused of stabbing pregnant sister-in-law pleads not guilty
Monday, Nov. 25, 2013
The woman accused of fatally stabbing her pregnant sister-in-law pleaded not guilty in Clark County District Court today. The case is set to go to trial on Jan 21.
Attorney General’s Office prosecuting its first sex trafficking case under tougher law
Friday, Nov. 22, 2013
The state Attorney General’s Office announced it is prosecuting its first sex trafficking case since a bill toughening those laws took effect.
With indictment returned, prosecution has 30 days to decide on death penalty for Drai's shooting suspect
Friday, Nov. 22, 2013
After a grand jury indictment today, prosecutors will weigh whether to seek the death penalty for a man accused of gunning down a patron at a popular Las Vegas Strip nightclub and wounding two security guards.
Website redirect has online surprise for district attorney's potential campaign donors
Friday, Nov. 22, 2013
People looking to donate to Steve Wolfson in his effort to remain Clark County’s district attorney are in for a surprise if they use a website Wolfson promotes in a campaign video. Just after the two-minute mark of the video, posted on YouTube the day after he officially threw his hat in the ring, Wolfson says his supporters can make campaign donations at "dawolfson.com.” Trouble is, Wolfson's campaign doesn't own that campaign.
After middle schooler's testimony, judge orders trial for man who allegedly sexually assaulted her
Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013
A California man accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a middle school student the first week of school will stand trial.
Personal injury lawyer puts hat in the ring for district judge seat
Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013
Attorney Jim Crockett announced today that he will run for one of the open Clark County District Court judge seats.
Las Vegas homeless embrace access to social, legal services at Cashman Center event
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013
On a day designed to help give those without homes access to haircuts, food, medical care and a variety of other services, the line is longest for forgiveness.
Teen pleads not guilty to charges of killing mother, brother
Trial date for Adrian Navarro-Canales to be set next month
Monday, Nov. 18, 2013
The 16-year-old accused of killing his mom and 9-year-old brother pleaded not guilty in Clark County District Court today and waived his right to a speedy trial.
Woman arrested in stabbing death outside bar goes before judge
Friday, Nov. 15, 2013
A 22-year-old woman arrested in the stabbing death of another woman outside a Maryland Parkway bar made a first appearance today in Las Vegas Township Justice Court.
Uncovered records raise new questions about DA's witness payment program
Top prosecutor changes course, says he's stopped payments for pretrial meetings
Friday, Nov. 15, 2013
Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson is abandoning his office’s controversial practice of paying witnesses to meet with prosecutors, even though he backed the program as recently as a month ago.
Clark County District Judge Allan Earl to step down from bench
Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013
Clark County District Judge Allan Earl announced today that after more than a decade as a judge he’s decided it’s time to let someone else have a turn at what he considers his favorite job.
Judge says man accused of plot to kidnap cop can represent himself
Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013
A member of the anti-government Sovereign Citizens movement will be allowed to defend himself in court against allegations that he plotted to kidnap, try and execute a Metro Police officer for treason.
Court hearing delayed for former Rebels basketball player charged with grand larceny
Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013
The preliminary hearing for a former UNLV basketball player accused of stealing a pair of high-end sneakers, cash and other goods from a friend's apartment will be delayed for a month.
Police: Runaway teen and kindergarten teacher shared romance
Friday, Nov. 8, 2013
What started as a runaway teen looking for a Craigslist roommate turned into a romance with a 44-year-old kindergarten teacher, according to a Metro Police arrest report released today.
Grand jury adds charge against woman accused of killing pregnant sister-in-law
Friday, Nov. 8, 2013
The woman accused of fatally stabbing her pregnant sister-in-law is facing a new charge accusing her of endangering her nephew by causing him to witness the death of his mother and unborn sibling.
Man indicted over threatening letter sent to Las Vegas mayor
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013
A man accused of sending a threatening, expletive-laced letter to Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman was indicted today. Alfred Blackwell, 54, is charged with gross misdemeanor counts of intimidating a public officer.
Case of woman accused of stabbing sister-in-law headed to grand jury
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013
A grand jury will weigh the case of a woman accused of fatally stabbing her pregnant sister-in-law. And Elinor Indico's attorney believes he will be able to prove that the incident was a case of self-defense.
Teen indicted in kidnapping, sexual assault of tourist
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013
A 17-year-old was indicted today in connection with a 2011 kidnapping and sexual assault of a tourist. Sinder Holmes snatched a woman who had just left the Wynn and couldn’t find her friends.
Bail set at $530,000 for teacher accused of kidnapping teen
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013
A kindergarten teacher accused of kidnapping a 16-year-old girl was living with the teen and sleeping in the same bed, prosecutors alleged today as a judge set bail at $530,000.
Grand jury considering case of fatal CHP officer crash
Monday, Nov. 4, 2013
A new preliminary hearing date has been set for a man charged in the deaths of a California Highway Patrol officer and another man thrown from the back of a pickup truck reported stolen from a Strip hotel.
Driver sentenced to up to 80 years in prison for killing 4 in crash at bus stop
Friday, Nov. 1, 2013
The driver in a 2012 crash that killed four people at a Las Vegas bus stop was sentenced today to 24 to 80 years in prison after both he and a victim's sister apologized.
Man charged in Las Vegas Strip shooting, crash gets new attorneys
Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013
Ammar Harris, accused of a February shooting on the Las Vegas Strip that left three people dead, changed court-appointed attorneys this morning.