Pahrump man accused of molesting 10 children may have had more victims

A 57-year-old Pahrump man accused of molesting 10 children may have victimized others, an official with the Nye County Sheriff’s Office said today.

Samuel Vernon Hamett was arrested Sunday on 10 counts each of lewdness with a child younger than 14, sexual assault on a child younger than 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 age 14. Boruchowitz said Hamett is unemployed. He said a parent whose child accused Hamett of molestation called police Sunday.

Boruchowitz wouldn’t disclose how Hamett got so close to children because the investigation is ongoing. But he did say the children might have gone to Hamett’s home. Boruchowitz wouldn’t disclose the sex of the victims.

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

Nye County Sheriff Tony DeMeo said it appears Hamett may have victimized others.

“Based upon what we learned so far, we believe there are other victims out there, and we believe the victims might be numerous,” DeMeo said.

The investigation into Hamett goes back at least three years. That’s when he moved to Pahrump, Boruchowitz said.

Hamett’s arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday. He is being held in Nye County jail on $250,000 bail.

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

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