Sparks detectives and partners with the Northern Nevada Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force arrested 52-year-old James Patrick Burns on July 27, 2021, for crimes related to possession of child pornography.
Detectives were alerted to Burns’ activities in July by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Office and FBI regarding an investigation involving a juvenile female victim. Further investigation by local detectives identified a suspect in Sparks, Nevada. Detectives served a search warrant and collected electronic and digital evidence.
Burns is self-employed. Burns is a registered sex offender and was compliant with his registration.
This is an ongoing investigation and additional charges are expected.
Detectives are asking anyone with knowledge of this case to please contact the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Division at (775) 328-3320 or Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900. Refer to case number: SP21-5643.
The Internet Crimes Against Children – Child Exploitation Task Force is comprised of investigators from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, the Sparks Police Department, the Reno Police Department, the Nevada Attorney General’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations.
