Life handed down in rape of girl, 12

Bill Gang

Wednesday, Dec. 1, 1999 | 11:24 a.m.

A 38-year-old man who admitted he pushed his way into a northwest Las Vegas home and raped a 12-year-old girl has been sentenced to life in prison and won't get an opportunity for parole until he has served 40 years.

Paul Spicher had pleaded guilty in July to four counts of sexual assault of a minor under 14 in a deal that could have resulted in a sentence permitting his release in 20 years.

But after hearing the young victim's mother say that Spicher should be imprisoned for the maximum term of 80 years to life to keep other mothers' children safe, District Judge Sally Loehrer chose a harsher sentence.

The victim, who was at home with her 3-year-old sister, was bound and gagged before her attacker fled.

The home apparently was chosen at random by Spicher, according to Deputy District Attorney Teresa Lowry, who also argued Tuesday for the maximum sentence.

The attacker had knocked on the door on the afternoon of July 15, 1998, and asked directions of the 12-year-old girl who answered the door, Lowry said. He returned about 20 minutes later and forced his way inside, ordering the 3-year-old into a bathroom before sexually assaulting the older girl.

Lowry said that Spicher, whose records indicate he has several arrests on burglary charges, was captured in January in Mendocino County, Calif., and returned to Nevada to face charges.

Spicher was connected to the crime through fingerprints and DNA, according to authorities.