RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – On Saturday, May 30, at 1:45 p.m., the Reno Police Department responded to a casino after receiving a tip from a civilian YouTube-based predator investigation group regarding a male security guard there who was allegedly communicating online with a person he believed to be a juvenile, according to an agency news release.
Upon arrival at the unnamed casino, officers spoke with the reporting parties, resort security, and the suspect, according to the Thursday, July 16, release.
Officers interviewed those involved and reviewed evidence.
During the investigation, officers developed probable cause to believe the suspect knowingly communicated with an individual he believed to be a 14-year-old for the purpose of engaging in unlawful sexual conduct, police said.
Officers arrested James Ziebell, 38, who was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Washoe County Detention Facility.
Ziebell was charged with attempted child abuse, luring a child through the use of computer technology to engage in sexual conduct, and attempted statutory sexual seduction by a person over 21, police said.
The Reno Police Department’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit is investigating.
The Reno Police Department reminds parents and guardians to remain engaged in their children’s online activity.
Officers encourage anyone with information related to child exploitation or online predatory behavior to contact law enforcement.
Copyright 2026 KOLO. All rights reserved.
