Teen expected to plead guilty in classmate rape

A Carson City teen is expected to plead guilty to one count of sexual assault in the rape of a fellow classmate.

Harold Willard, 16, waived his preliminary hearing Friday in Carson City Justice Court.

Defense attorney Nathan Tod Young told Judge John Tatro it was Willard's intention to plead guilty to sexual assault. In exchange for the plea, the Carson City District Attorney's Office will not pursue or file any other charges against him.

Willard faces 10 years to life in prison.

The Carson High School sophomore allegedly assaulted a 15-year-old boy by threatening his life and brandishing a shotgun March 30, telling the victim it was part of an initiation into a racist gang. On March 31, another teen allegedly aided Willard in sexually assaulting the same victim.

Willard, who turned 16 on March 29, met the criteria to be charged as an adult because of the nature of the crime, his age and the fact that he had a prior felony conviction in juvenile court, prosecutors said.

The second teen, who was 15, was charged in juvenile court. The disposition of his case is pending.

Willard's parents, as well as the victim and his parents, were present in court.

"Any time you have victims and defendants this young, it always makes the case more difficult emotionally," said Deputy District Attorney Tom Armstrong.

Armstrong said he'd likely ask Willard be sentenced to 10 years to life in prison, although the judge is able to sentence him to 10 to 25 years.

Willard claimed to be a member of the Aryan Brotherhood, which is a known prison gang, but investigators were unable to find any confirmation.

Armstrong said the victim's family is pleased with the possible plea bargain.

"They're just happy to move on without having to subject their son to testifying at a criminal trial," he said.

Willard remains in the Carson City Jail on $250,000 bail.

Contact F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.