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Friday, October 2, 2026 at 9:36 PM

Fernley man sentenced to life in prison in child molestation case

Fernley man sentenced to life in prison in child molestation case
Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

A Fernley man has been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 90 years for a total of 10 child molestation and pornography charges.

Ronald Engle


Ronald T. J. Engle, 57, of Fernley was sentenced Aug. 6 in Third Judicial District Court to life in prison on nine counts and 1-3 years on one count.

Engle must serve a minimum of minimum of 90 years in Nevada prisons before he would eligible for parole.

A jury returned the 10-count guilty verdict on May 23, 2018. The charges included sexual assault on a child, lewdness on a child under 14, attempted sexual assault, unlawful use of minor in production of pornography and possession of a visual presentation depicting sexual conduct of a person under 16.

Engle was convicted for molesting a child in Fernley over the course of two years and having a video on his phone depicting child pornography. He was arrested after an investigation led by the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division along with the Fernley Patrol Division.

“This sentence brings some justice and closure to the victim and the victim’s family in this case, and the sentence will protect society by guaranteeing that Engle will never be released to victimize another child,” District Attorney Stephen Rye said.

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Comment author: PFB Comment text: Why can't you guys find competent contractors.. For a large municipal facility like the indoor-outdoor Fernley Swimming Pool located at 300 Cottonwood Lane, a complete ground-up commercial build or major structural renovation typically spans 6 to 12 months or longer when factoring in large-scale engineering, public municipal permitting, specialized commercial HVAC/roofing, and health department inspections. The current renovation has been- The Fernley Swimming Pool has been closed for approximately six to seven months since late February 2026 for a major roof replacement and facility renovation. Now you sat October. Soooo 8 months for a new roof. The picture shows no other renovations. Comment publication date: 9/17/26, 7:14 PM Comment source: Electrical problem delays Fernley pool opening Comment author: P Comment text: Relative of the Mayor is to over see this site. Anyone who knows Fernley KNOWS this is more of the who you are related to and know business in this town. VOTE THEM ALL OUT AND THE CALIFORNIA TRANSPLANTS. Comment publication date: 9/16/26, 10:31 PM Comment source: Lift Station Failure Released Untreated Sewage Comment author: Christopher Walsh Comment text: Could you look into the strong recurring smell around Fernley? It smells like sewage and it can be bad enough that people don’t want to be outside or open their windows. It would be helpful to get an investigative journalist help the Fernley residents get a clear answer from the City, NDEP, and any involved facilities. I was really disappointed that the smell was not disclosed by my realtor when I moved here. I enjoy Fernley and am seeing the improvements that are being made. With Appreciation Comment publication date: 9/12/26, 2:49 PM Comment source: Sewage spill near City of Fernley Municipal Well 9 Comment author: Alicia Euresti Comment text: We are all so blessed to have Pastor Matt and Mrs. Regina in this town. They have become a major part of pur family and our children adore them. Thank you both for all you do for qll of us. We love you!!!! Comment publication date: 9/6/26, 9:24 PM Comment source: Fascinating Fernley: Meet Your Neighbors at Living Faith Food Pantry Comment author: R Conley Comment text: Is the deputy receiving any additional training or reinforcing prior training? Comment publication date: 9/5/26, 10:08 AM Comment source: Inmate escapes from Fernley substation Comment author: Kayla Allen Comment text: Suzie was a wonderful woman. I was pleased to call her my "godmother" as she helped me to become a better version of myself. I think about her a lot. Comment publication date: 7/10/26, 8:31 PM Comment source: Susanne Lynn Foster