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Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 9:49 AM
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Fernley man pleads not guilty to California charges of sex with minor

Fernley man pleads not guilty to California charges of sex with minor

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

A Fernley man arrested last month on charges out of California of sexually abusing a child has pleaded not guilty.

Morgan McDowell, 40, entered pleas of not guilty in Butte County (Calif.) Superior Court to 10 different charges, including 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.

McDowell was arrested in December by U.S. Marshals after a criminal complaint was filed by the Butte County District Attorney’s Office, after an investigation into allegations by a victim who had reported continuous sexual abuse that occurred over several years.

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. 

A preliminary hearing the case has been set for Feb. 22.


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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 Comment author: Alan Reeder Comment text: Great guy, laughed easily, had fun with his students, enjoyed our time together at FHS! Comment publication date: 4/23/26, 10:23 PM Comment source: Howard David Jackson Comment author: Jack & Nancy Cook Comment 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 AM Comment source: Howard David Jackson Comment author: JeffDickerson Comment text: Very well reported, even though our motion was denied. Comment publication date: 4/15/26, 11:05 AM Comment source: Judge allows Fernley City Council to proceed with corrective agenda item in Lau expulsion case
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