A 42-year-old assistant principal at CIVICA Nevada Career & Collegiate Academy was arrested Monday on 15 serious felony charges after prosecutors say he began a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl, provided her with alcohol, paid her to remain silent, and threatened to harm her or her family if she disclosed the abuse.
Pernell Graham was taken into custody by detectives from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Sexual Assault Detail on March 23, according to a police release. The victim, who is now 17, told investigators the alleged crimes began when she was 14.
In court Tuesday morning, prosecutors stated that Graham would pick the teen up from her home, drive her to his residence, give her alcohol, and then engage in sexual activity with her. He allegedly gave her money to keep quiet about the relationship and threatened violence against her or her family members if she ever spoke out.
Graham faces 15 charges in total: six counts of sexual assault with a child under 16 years of age, one count of sexual assault, open or gross lewdness, first-degree kidnapping, child abuse or neglect with substantial bodily or mental harm, two counts of lewdness with a child under age 14 with the use of a deadly weapon, battery by strangulation to commit sexual assault, and two counts of a school employee engaging in a sexual act with a pupil.
Detectives noted that Graham’s role working with youth raises the possibility of additional victims. Anyone who may have been victimized by Graham or who has information about the case should contact the LVMPD Sexual Assault Detail at 702-828-3421. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 or via the Crime Stoppers website.
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