RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – A registered sex offender has been sentenced to 10 years to life in prison after a routine parole check in 2023 uncovered evidence of child sexual abuse.
Melvin Hucks was sentenced on Aug. 10, 2026, in the Second Judicial District Court of Washoe County. The sentencing follows his June 2026 guilty plea to lewdness with a child under the age of 14, a Category A felony.
Routine Check Uncovers Footage
The case began in June 2023 when officers with the Nevada State Police Parole and Probation Division conducted a routine home contact with Hucks. At the time, Hucks was under active supervision for aggravated stalking.
During the contact, officers located and seized a camcorder. A review of the device revealed footage of Hucks engaging in sexual acts with an unidentified female juvenile. Hucks was immediately arrested for parole violations, his supervision was subsequently revoked, and he was returned to the Nevada Department of Corrections.
Interstate Investigation
Nevada Parole and Probation officers continued to investigate the seized footage. Through extensive interviews with Hucks and potential witnesses, investigators were ultimately able to identify the victim.
Because the victim resided out of state, Nevada investigators collaborated with a local police department in Arizona to coordinate and conduct an interview.
Following the completion of the investigation, officers secured an arrest warrant for Hucks on several severe charges:
- Lewdness with a child under 16 years (Category A felony)
- Unlawful use of a minor in producing pornography (Category A felony)
- Possession of child pornography (Category B felony)
Release, Re-Arrest, and Sentencing
In March 2026, Hucks was released on parole from the Nevada Department of Corrections for his prior stalking conviction. However, he was immediately intercepted by authorities, transported, and booked into the Washoe County Jail on the outstanding arrest warrant.
In June 2026, Hucks pleaded guilty to lewdness with a child under the age of 14, a violation of NRS 201.230.2.
Second Judicial District Court Judge sentenced Hucks on August 10 to 10 years to life in the Nevada Department of Corrections.
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