Defendant in child-sex case skips sentencing

Bill Gang

Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2000 | 11:28 a.m.

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a Las Vegas advertising man with a history of sexual misconduct involving children after he failed to appear for sentencing on a current case.

State Parole and Probation officials had recommended the maximum sentence of 13 to 34 years in prison for Randall Gaess after a state psychologist determined there was a high likelihood the defendant would continue his predatory ways if released on probation.

District Judge Kathy Hardcastle issued the warrant Tuesday when Gaess didn't show up for the appearance that was destined to result in a prison term.

Gaess, 53, had pleaded guilty in July to charges of lewdness with a child under 14, attempted lewdness with a child and indecent exposure in a plea bargain that he accepted on the morning of his trial.

In 1983 the Las Vegas advertising man also was convicted of indecent exposure involving his daughter and three of her girlfriends.

In that case, Deputy District Attorney Teresa Lowry said Gaess took photos of himself and his wife having sex and showed them to their daughter and the three other girls.

In July when Gaess pleaded guilty to the latest round of sexual molestation charges involving children, the three friends of his daughter -- now adults -- sat in the rear of the courtroom.

They were prepared to testify about the defendant's past improprieties, but their mission was cut short by the plea bargain.

The latest victims were sisters ages 9 and 12 when the incidents occurred during a two-year period starting in January 1996, according to court records.

Gaess could have received probation only if a psychological evaluation determined he is not a threat to the health or morals of the public. When the state evaluation reached the conclusion that he was likely to re-offend, it guaranteed a prison term.

In the current case, Lowry has said, Gaess was having an affair with the girls' married mother, and the older girl was allowed to watch and was told she could participate with the couple when she was older.

Gaess, who was a television spokesman for furniture companies and other businesses when he ran an advertising agency, admitted he had fondled the older girl.

He also told the judge he exposed himself to the younger girl.

The girls' mother, who has since fled to England, is alleged to have been a participant in the criminal activities.

Defense attorney Gregory Denue said Gaess lost his advertising career as a result of the criminal charges.