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Monday, May 18, 2026 at 10:35 AM

Fernley man charged with sexually abusing child

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

A Fernley man was arrested Dec. 15 on charges out of Butte County, Calif. of sexually abusing a child.

Morgan McDowell, 40, who had previously been a resident of Oroville, Calif., was arrested by U.S. Marshals after a criminal complaint was filed by the Butte County District Attorney’s Office charging McDowell with two counts of sexual penetration with a victim under the age of 14, one count of sexual penetration with a victim under the age of 16, five counts of sexual penetration with a victim under the age of 18, and two counts of oral copulation with a victim under the age of 18.

The investigation started in December 2020 when Butte County Sheriff’s Office detectives were contacted by a victim who reported continuous sexual abuse that occurred over several years. During the investigation detectives interviewed multiple individuals in California and Nevada. BCSO said detectives located evidence that gave them cause to believe McDowell sexually abused the victim for several years.

The Butte County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with additional information about this investigation to contact Detective Mary Barker at (530) 538-7671.


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C Comment author: Carl C. HagenComment 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 AMComment source: Storey County, Tesla partner to extend I-80 Patrick on-rampComment author: Alan ReederComment text: Great guy, laughed easily, had fun with his students, enjoyed our time together at FHS!Comment publication date: 4/23/26, 10:23 PMComment source: Howard David JacksonComment author: Jack & Nancy CookComment text: Wonderful man. Created a precious family with Linda. Will always respect and admire his contribution to teaching at FHS.Comment publication date: 4/18/26, 10:27 AMComment source: Howard David JacksonComment author: JeffDickersonComment text: Very well reported, even though our motion was denied.Comment publication date: 4/15/26, 11:05 AMComment source: Judge allows Fernley City Council to proceed with corrective agenda item in Lau expulsion caseComment author: Todd fossumComment text: Hi my name is todd fossum i'm clarence's stepson, I was wondering if he had any siblings. I think he said he had a sister that just survived cancer. If she can get ahold of me or any buddy, my number is 916. 3 4 3 1 1 7 7.Thank you have a blessed dayComment publication date: 1/16/26, 4:33 PMComment source: Clarence L Shields C Comment author: Carl HagenComment text: So just curious, what is the point of a franchise agreement if it is not exclusive?Comment publication date: 12/15/25, 4:18 PMComment source: Council approves non-exclusive franchise agreement for waste collection
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