On July 29, 2019, in Winnemucca, the Winnemucca Police Department (WPD) obtained a warrant for and arrested Rafael Rosas-Cardenas, age 53, on 13 counts of lewdness with a child under 14 years of age, a category A felony as a result of an ongoing investigation.
WPD officials report that information was received on July 4, 2019, regarding the report of suspected child molestation occurring with a child under 14 years of age.
WPD detectives investigated the case and ultimately obtained a warrant for Rosas-Cardenas, who is reported to be a part-time resident of Winnemucca.
Officials say Rosas-Cardenas cooperated with detectives during the investigation. Cardenas was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Detention center on 14 counts of lewdness with a child under 14, a category A felony in violation of NRS 201.230(2) with a bail amount of $3,250,000.
According to the Nevada Research Division Legislative Councel Bureau, each convicted count of lewdness with a child under the age of 14 carries a penalty of life in prison with a 10-year minimum for parole with no probation or suspended sentence and not more than a $10,000 fine.
The WPD asks anyone with additional information about this case or knows of any other potential victims to contact WPD Detective Matt Morgan at 775- 623-6396 or the secret witness line at 775-623-6969.
