Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

PR #: 1300055
Date Issued: May 24, 2013 - 3:38pm

Ronald Wenker receives three life sentences for Sexual Assault of a Child

CASE #: WC12-5423
CONTACT: Sergeant Dennis Carry
Cyber Crimes Unit
775-328-3048

Reno resident Ronald Wenker was sentenced to serve three life terms in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of Sexual Assault and one count of Lewdness with a Minor Under the Age of 14 based on an investigation initiated by the Washoe County Sheriff's Office in August of 2012.

Wenker, a former Director of the Bureau of Land Management in Nevada, pleaded guilty to all three charges in the 2nd Judicial District Court of Nevada on February 21, 2013 and was sentenced on May 14. Wenker could be eligible for parole after 30 years.

On August 7, 2012, investigators from the Washoe County Sheriff's Office arrested Wenker on multiple charges of Sexual Assault and Lewdness with a Child under the age of 14. It's believed the sexual abuse occurred multiple times over several years.

The Sheriff's Office initiated the investigation on Monday, August 6, 2012 at approximately 10:47 p.m., when they were dispatched to an undisclosed residence in Washoe County. Sheriff's Detectives were called out to continue the investigation. The victim advised Detectives that she had been inappropriately touched by a relative over the course of 5 years. The victim identified Wenker as the relative.

After detectives corroborated what the victim had told them pertaining to Wenker's acts, Wenker was taken into custody and charged.

The Sheriff's Office would like to remind the public that sexual abuse can occur over many years and is often easily concealed or committed by individuals close to the victim. Sexual abuse cases are among the most difficult to investigate as they often require the victim to come forward and disclose the abuse.

Child sexual exploitation should be reported immediately to local law enforcement agencies. Reports can also be made to Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900 or www.secretwitness.com, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's CyberTipline at cybertipline.org.


The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.

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