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Former Fernley youth coach arrested in Montana on child molestation charges

  • 01/04/2021 06:21 AM
Former Fernley youth coach arrested in Montana on child molestation charges

Robert Perea. The Fernley Reporter

A former Fernley youth coach was arrested in Helena, Mont. on a handful of child molestation charges alleged in Lyon County.

Donald Neil Belgarde, 51, was arrested on a warrant issued Dec. 10 by Canal Township Justice of the Peace Lori Matheus.

According to the Helena Independent Record, court documents state that between June 1, 1998, and Sept. 1, 1999, Belgarde sexually penetrated a child under age 14 in Fernley. According to a criminal complaint, this occurred again with a different child between June and September of 2006. The complaint stated that neither victim was mentally or physically capable of resisting or understanding the nature of the conduct.

The Independent Record reported that the two lewdness with a child charges come from Belgarde's alleged inappropriate touching of the first victim between 1998 and 2000. The open or gross lewdness charge stems from an allegation that Belgarde, while nude, showed the second victim pornography in 2005.

Belgarde is currently set to remain in the Lewis and Clark County Detention Center. A court appearance for Belgarde is scheduled for Jan. 15 at 1 p.m.

Upload date: 01/04/2021 06:21 AM
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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 Comment author: Sheena Nash Comment text: After the trivia night is over, I would love for you to print the questions. I grew up in Fernley and would be interested to see how many answers I know. The coin is beautiful. Congrats on 25 years as a city! Comment publication date: 6/22/26, 1:38 PM Comment source: City of Fernley planning 25th anniversary celebration with three days of community events C Comment author: Carl C. Hagen Comment text: Maybe there is more to this story than what is reported, but it seems to me that the businesses that are causing this problem ought to be paying for this, or at least a major portion of it. Why does the County have to pay the whole bill? Just my opinion. Comment publication date: 5/7/26, 10:26 AM Comment source: Storey County, Tesla partner to extend I-80 Patrick on-ramp
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