LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A Sparks, Nevada, man was sentenced on Friday to 65 years in prison after he was convicted in a “sextortion” scheme perpetrated over Omegle, Snapchat, TikTok and Mega social platforms from 2018 to 2021.
James Patrick Burns, 55, “sextorted” multiple minors online, according to a U.S. Department of Justice news release. Burns was already a registered sex offender when he was arrested by authorities.
“During this period, Burns was the most prolific creator of illegal content on these forums,” according to the news release. “He victimized over 100 children, many of whom have yet to be identified. Burns’s offenses came to the attention of law enforcement when the mother of one of his victims saw threats on the victim’s phone and reported what she saw to the police.”
Burns will be required to serve lifetime supervised release if he is released from prison.
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He was convicted on March 5 by a federal jury on eight counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, eight counts of coercion and enticement of a minor, and one count each of advertising, receiving, distributing and possessing child pornography.
Burns coerced minors into producing pornography. He was also ordered to pay $82,655.92 in restitution and $21,000 in assessments under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act.
The announcement was made by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada; Assistant Director Michael Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans of the FBI Las Vegas Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Miller of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Las Vegas.
The FBI-led Northern Nevada Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which is comprised of detectives and investigators from the Sparks Police Department, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Attorney General’s Office, and HSI, investigated the case. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office, HSI Chicago Field Office, and local law enforcement around the country provided substantial assistance.
NEVADA CITY, Calif. June 2, 2026 – Polls closed at 8:00 pm today. We will post local election results here as soon as they are released.
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June 2, 2026 at 11:54 PM Third and final update, the next results update will be on Friday.
June 2, 2026 at 10:10 PM Second update being published now. The voter counts on the Cumulative Reports are based on the 15 Day Report of Registration and may differ from the Ballot Statistics count.
June 2, 2026 at 8:15 PM First updates
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Federal contests – Nevada County results
CA Secretary of State · June 2, 2026 Primary · Unofficial
U.S. House, District 3
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CA Secretary of State · June 2, 2026 Primary · Unofficial
Insurance Commissioner
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CA Secretary of State · June 2, 2026 Primary · Unofficial
Attorney General
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A Carson City judge has granted the Nevada Gaming Control Board’s motion for a preliminary injunction blocking the operation of a third prediction market in the state.
First Judicial District Court Judge Jason Woodbury on Friday granted the Control Board’s motion and state officials believe a formal written order is forthcoming.
“We are very pleased with Judge Woodbury’s ruling and will continue to vigorously enforce Nevada law to safeguard gaming in our state,” Gaming Control Board Chairman Mike Dreitzer said in a release issued by the board Monday.
The injunction blocks QCX LLC, doing business as New York cryptocurrency-based Polymarket US, from providing its services in Nevada.
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The Control Board has had similar successes with preliminary injunctions against New York-based KalshiEx LLC, doing business as Kalshi, and internet-centered Coinbase.
The board has taken decisive action in recent months to halt the operations of prediction markets in the state and has successfully restricted the operation of all unlicensed prediction markets that had been known to be operating in the state.
The board started its efforts in March 2025 against prediction markets, which are not licensed by the state but have written event contracts on sports and election outcomes and entertainment propositions.
Regulators consider the offering of sports-event contracts, along with certain other event contracts, to constitute wagering activity under Nevada law. They’ve said that they could operate in the state if were licensed, a process that often takes at least a year to complete.
Prediction markets believe they are authorized to conduct business in Nevada and every other U.S. state because they are regulated by the federal Commodity Futures Trading Commission, currently chaired by Michael Selig.
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Because of its assertion that it has exclusive jurisdiction, it also has claimed that its oversight outweighs state gaming laws, which has resulted in pushback and lawsuits from a number of states that regulate casino gambling and sports betting.
Several states have pending litigation in place against prediction markets, but Nevada has seemingly found the silver bullet by taking their cases to state courts instead of federal courts.
Nevada’s public policy, as expressed by the Legislature, is that the gaming industry is vitally important to the economy of the state and the general welfare of the inhabitants and therefore “must be licensed, controlled, and assisted to protect the public health, safety, morals, good order, and general welfare of the inhabitants of the state.”
Contact Richard N. Velotta at rvelotta@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3893. Follow @RickVelotta on X.
The Nevada Division of State Parks is inviting residents and visitors to explore Nevada’s public lands during Free Adventure Day on Saturday, June 13, 2026. In celebration of Nevada’s natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and public lands, entrance fees will be waived at all Nevada State Parks for the day.
Free Adventure Day coincides with the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s Free Fishing Day, allowing visitors to fish without a Nevada fishing license wherever fishing is permitted. This annual tradition provides a unique opportunity for both experienced anglers and first-time participants to enjoy Nevada’s lakes, reservoirs, and waterways.
Many parks may offer special programs, guided hikes, educational activities, or family-friendly events throughout the day. Visitors can view upcoming events and activities at parks.nv.gov/events.
Free Adventure Day waives entrance fees only. All other applicable fees, including camping, boating, reservations, special use fees, and other park fees, will still apply.
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Visitors who reserve day-use access at Sand Harbor State Park or Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area for June 13 will automatically receive a refund of their entrance fees as part of Free Adventure Day. Reservation requirements will remain in effect at both parks, and any fees other than entrance fees are not eligible for a refund.
Guests are encouraged to plan ahead, bring plenty of water, dress for changing weather conditions, and practice Leave No Trace principles to help protect Nevada’s natural and cultural resources for future generations.
To learn more about Nevada State Parks and plan your next adventure, visit parks.nv.gov.
