News briefs for July 13, 2005

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 | 11:03 a.m.

Suspect sought in ad thefts

Metro Police are searching for a man suspected of passing counterfeit checks to buy items advertised in newspaper classified ads.

Police believe Robbie Denny, 34, dubbed the "R-J Bandit," would go to the homes of people selling items such as as cars and accessories, jewelry and electronics that were advertised in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

The sellers would learn later that the check suspect used to pay for the goods was fake, police said.

One victim who sold allegedly man a $3,200 Rolex watch wrote down his license plate number and police identified the suspect as Denny.

Denny is described as 5 feet 8 inches and 215 pounds with blond hair and blue eyes. He could be driving a white Lincoln Navigator or sport motorcycle. Police said he is known to frequent hotels on and near the Strip.

Man sought in sexual assault

Metro Police are searching for a 25-year-old man suspected of breaking into a woman's home Sunday and sexually assaulting her.

Police issued a warrant for the arrest of Wayne Robert Nelson, who lived in the area of Charleston and Palm Street, near the victim, police said.

He is described as a white, 6 feet tall and 200 pounds with short dark hair and a dark moustache. He has a tribal tattoo on his right bicep and another tattoo on his left arm. Police said he is most likely using public transportation or getting around on foot.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 229-3421 or Crime Stoppers at 385-5555.

Charges uncertain in child's death

Authorities are unsure whether anyone will be prosecuted in connection with Friday's death of a 15-month-old child who had been left in a car for about three hours in heat that reached more than 100 degrees, Metro Police said.

A relative forgot that Jozia Diaz-Beltran, 15 months, was in the vehicle, which was parked in the 400 block of Frederick Avenue near Alexander Road and D Street, police said.

Police and paramedics were called about 6:45 p.m. The child was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sgt. Chris Jones, police spokesman, said the investigation is ongoing and the case will be submitted to the district attorney's office.