Melvyn Sprowson, Las Vegas, Nevada (arrested Nov 2013)

Review-Journal: Former Las Vegas teacher accused of kidnapping hit with child pornography charges (Dec 19 2013)

Clark County prosecutors slapped former Wengert Elementary School teacher Melvyn Sprowson with four new charges of unlawful use of a minor in production of pornography after authorities found images of a 16-year-old girl on her cell phone. The images were recorded at Sprowson’s direction, prosecutors allege.​

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However, the victim’s past could become an issue in the case. During a hearing Thursday before Judge William Kephart, Sprowson’s lawyers revealed this is not the first time the girl has been a victim in a similar criminal case. Court records show that David Schlomann, 41, was arrested after an April 2012 tryst with the girl. He was originally charged with 14 counts, including first-degree kidnapping, statutory sexual seduction, sexual assault with a minor under 16 years of age and luring children with use of technology with intent to engage in sexual conduct. In September, Schlomann took a deal and pleaded guilty to only two charges, attempted sexual assault and luring children with use of technology with intent to engage in sexual conduct. He is set to be sentenced Jan. 30.​

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In a 30-page discovery motion, Momot also asked for the victim’s medical records, including any medical tests. Prosecutors have suggested in court documents that Sprowson gave the girl a sexually transmitted disease. However, a doctor’s letter indicated that the victim may have had an STD prior to her time with Sprowson.​

 

Fox 5 Vegas: Vegas teacher in kidnap case accused of child porn (Dec 20 2013)

According to a criminal complaint, prosecutors alleged Melvyn Sprowson directed an underage teen girl to pose in various stages of undress. Photos of the teen were then recorded on the girl's cell phone, documents said.​

 

Fox 5 Vegas: Vegas teacher accused in kidnap, child porn case slated in court (Dec 30 2013)

A preliminary hearing was scheduled in Las Vegas Justice Court for 45-year-old Melvyn Sprowson ... Sprowson has been held at Clark County Detention Center on charges of kidnapping, two counts of child abuse, contributing to delinquency of a minor and false statements to obstruct a public officer, as well as four counts unlawful use of a minor in the production of pornography. A judge set Sprowson's bail to $530,000. His hearing Monday was scheduled for 7:30 a.m.​

 

My News 3: Teenager involved in teacher kidnapping speaks at hearing (Dec 30 2013)

She was in tears virtually from the moment she took the stand. She says she willingly lived with Sprowson for a little over two months but also said that he was aware she was only 16 years old. She said the two engaged in intercourse about once a week and that he gave her alcohol. Also, he gave her a promise ring, signifying his intent to marry her one day. Additionally, the girl told the prosecution that Sprowson would only let her outside at night, dressed in baggy clothes, a hat and sunglasses. She also said he would get jealous and accuse her of cheating on him. At one point, she really started to cry and said, “I feel bad telling you all this; he's not a bad person.”​

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Sprowson originally identified himself online as “Lonely Millionaire,” and the two met through CraigsList. She also told the prosecution that she sent pictures of her “posing” to Sprowson, and that he would dictate what poses he wanted to see.​

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She also said she tried to kill herself by jumping off a balcony shortly after Sprowson was arrested.​

NBC News: Teenager involved in teacher kidnapping speaks at hearing (Dec 30 2013)

 

UPI: Mother, daughter testify in teacher's kidnapping hearing (Dec 31 2013)

The unidentified woman explained the anguish of looking for her daughter, a straight-A high school student, who disappeared in late August to live with Melvyn Sprowson, 45, accused of the crimes, the Las Vegas Sun reported Tuesday.​

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The girl recounted that she responded to Sprowson's online advertisement referring to himself as a "lonely millionaire." She texted him nude photos of herself and later met and fell in love with him, she said.​

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The mother testified her daughter "was an A student. She had a job. She had everything going for her. And then she comes back and says she's going to get a GED and do what? Get married [to Sprowson]?"​

 

AM 1380: Teen tells of love for man charged with kidnapping (Jan 1 2014)

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports the girl spoke about her relationship with Melvyn Sprowson for two hours at a preliminary hearing on Monday. A judge is expected to rule next week whether Sprowson should go to trial on charges including kidnapping and unlawful use of a minor in production of pornography ... She testified she and Sprowson planned to marry after she emancipated herself.​