Woman faces life in prison for sex assault

A former Indian Hills resident faces life in prison with the possibility of parole in 10 years after she admitted Monday having sex with a 14-year-old girl.

Julie Fry, 35, pleaded guilty to sexual assault, a class A felony. Fry is ineligible for probation.

Co-defendant Donald John Reynolds, 43, pleaded guilty to attempted sexual assault, a lesser felony. He faces up to 20 years in prison, but the state has agreed to ask for a maximum of 10 in exchange for Reynolds' guilty plea.

He is eligible for probation unless a court-ordered psychosexual evaluation determines he is at risk to reoffend.

Prosecutor Erik Levin said the crimes were charged differently based on evidence, the level of culpability and the desire to resolve the case without the victim having to testify at trial.

The girl's family "is very pleased with this result," Levin said.

The state agreed not to add an enhancement because of the victim's age in exchange for defendants' guilty pleas.

Because the victim is under age 16, the penalties are more severe.

The defendants' attorneys said their clients accepted the plea agreements to avoid prosecution on more serious charges or the possibility a jury would convict them.

District Judge Michael Gibbons set sentencing for Oct. 26.

Fry and Reynolds are being held in Douglas County Jail without bail.

According to reports, Fry was at a party in Carson City where she allegedly bragged about having sex with the minor in June. A guest at the party, alarmed by the story, notified Carson City law enforcement who turned the case over to Douglas County.

Deputies contacted the girl who confirmed the assault. By then, Fry and Reynolds had moved to Utah and were extradited to Douglas County.

Reynolds admitted supplying alcohol to the girl prior to the assault.

The defendants claim the sex was consensual, but Gibbons pointed out a 14-year-old is incapable of giving consent, especially if she's under the influence.

"I thought she was at least 16," Reynolds said. "I didn't know her very well, but it was the way she acted and the people she hung around with. I never heard her say stop. She didn't sound scared. I really thought she consented."

Fry admitted the girl was affected by the alcohol, "but she never indicated any resistance. She asked me to do what I did."

Fry and Reynolds must register as sex offenders and will be under lifetime supervision by state probation officers.