Authorities fear suspect had contact with other children

A 57-year-old Pahrump man accused of molesting 10 children might have victimized others, an official with the Nye County sheriff's office said Wednesday.

Samuel Vernon Hamett was arrested Sunday on 10 counts each of lewdness with a child under 14, sexual assault with a child under 14, child abuse and exploitation of a child and open and gross lewdness.

Detective David Boruchowitz said Hamett's victims range in age from toddlers to teens up to 14. Boruchowitz said that Hamett is unemployed and that a parent whose child accused Hamett of molestation called police Sunday.

Boruchowitz wouldn't disclose how Hamett got close to the children because the investigation is still ongoing.

Clark County court records show he was found guilty in 1997 of trafficking a controlled substance and was sentenced to eight years in prison.

Nye County Sheriff Tony DeMeo said, "Based upon what we learned so far, we believe there are other victims out there, and we believe the victims might be numerous."

The investigation into Hamett goes back at least three years because that is when he moved into the community, Boruchowitz said.

Hamett is being held in Nye County jail on $250,000 bail.

Anyone whose children had contact with Hamett is urged to contact Boruchowitz at 775-751-7000.

Contact reporter Antonio Planas at aplanas@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-4638.