Bail $302,500 in assault

Bail is set at $302,500 cash for a 20-year-old Ruhenstroth man accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl late Sunday behind Douglas High School.

Matthew Derek Lebo appeared Wednesday before East Fork Justice Jim EnEarl who appointed lawyer Tod Young to represent him.

Lebo is charged with sexual assault of a minor under 14 and lewdness with a child under 14.

According to a sheriff's office report, Lebo allegedly admitted that he knew the girl was 13 and that he forced her to have sex.

The girl had been reported as a runaway, but she returned home about 1:30 a.m. Monday. While a deputy was counseling her about the dangers of being away from home at that hour, she reportedly broke down in tears and told the officer she had been assaulted, according to reports.

Lebo was picked up Monday morning after a deputy saw him walking behind the Ironwood Cinema carrying a skateboard.

EnEarl set a hearing for May 7. He told Lebo if he manages to bail out, he is subject to numerous conditions including no contact with the alleged victim.

n Bail was reduced Wednesday to $50,000 cash for a 21-year-old house painter accused of sexually and physically abusing an 11-year-old girl.

East Fork Justice Jim EnEarl refused to release David Springer on his own recognizance and set a hearing for May 14.

Springer is charged with sexual assault of a child under 14 and child abuse or neglect.

The 11-year-old girl told investigators Springer allegedly kicked her in the back and punched her in the stomach in November, and sexually abused her a dozen times over several months.

At the time of the alleged incidents, Springer lived in Gardnerville.

His lawyer, Matthew Ence, claimed the charges were fabricated by the girl's mother in retaliation for Springer's plan to break up with her.

Ence said the woman made similar allegations against Springer in Carson City but recanted her story.

"I think it's very interesting it took four months to file charges," Ence said.

He said investigators' reports indicated the victim did not appear upset or have injuries consistent with abuse.

Prosecutor Kris Brown said the claim that the victim had no observable injuries didn't mean the abuse did not occur.

"In so many domestic batteries you have a statement from the victim that minimizes the circumstances," Brown said.

She claimed Springer threatened the mother and that's why she recanted.

EnEarl told Springer if he does bail out, he has to "create a jail cell for his home," and can't work or leave the residence. He also is forbidden to contact the victim or her mother.

n Two men pleaded guilty Wednesday to contributing to the delinquency of a minor, admitting they were videotaping a 14-year-old "popping a wheelie" on an unregistered motorcycle for his MySpace Web page.

Jake Meddles, 20, and Billie Sutton, 19, said they were friends of the 14-year-old and were helping him videotape the stunt on Feb. 28.

"You were going to tape somebody violating the law and put it on the Internet?" asked East Fork Justice Jim EnEarl.

The juvenile was cited for riding an unregistered motorcycle in a reckless manner without a license.

Meddles and Sutton were cited for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

"So there isn't anything associated with this story that is legal," EnEarl said.

Meddles said the trio was videotaping about 5:30 p.m. on Tillman north of Patricia Drive when the juvenile was pulled over by a deputy.

Meddles asked the judge to reduce his $297 fine, but EnEarl refused.

"It's the deal of the century," EnEarl said. "I probably would have fined you $632. Between a 20-year-old and a 14-year-old, whom do we presume has the most common sense?"