Landers Retains Counsel, Prelim Hearing Set in Sexual Assault Case

Sebastian Nathaniel Landers appeared for a status hearing in New River Township Justice Court on Jan. 29, 2026, before Judge Benjamin Trotter.

Landers, who was arrested Nov. 21, 2025, faces 11 counts related to allegations of Sexual Assault of a Child Under the Age of 14, Lewdness with a Child Under the Age of 14, and Abuse, Neglect, or Endangerment of a Child.

During a Nov. 23 arraignment, Judge Trotter conducted a Jimenez hearing to evaluate the defendant’s criminal history, risk of failing to appear in court, and potential danger to public safety. Under the Nevada Supreme Court’s Jimenez ruling, Trotter determined that Landers was eligible for release on his own recognizance, without posting bail, under specific conditions. Trotter advised Landers that if he violated those conditions, he would be returned to custody, and bail would be set at $475,890. Since that time, Landers has appeared at all scheduled court hearings, and Court Services has not reported any violations of his pretrial release.

Landers had been unable to formally retain private counsel until late last month. During the Jan. 29 status hearing, Richard Davies, Esq., of Reno appeared in person with his client and was recorded as Landers’ defense attorney. The court set a preliminary hearing for May 20, 2026, at 1 p.m.

In Nevada, a justice court preliminary hearing is a procedural step in felony cases used to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to district court. At this stage, the state is not required to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt but must establish probable cause that a crime was committed and that the defendant likely committed it.

If Judge Trotter finds probable cause, the case will be bound over to the Tenth Judicial District Court for further proceedings.

All defendants are guaranteed Constitutional Due Process protections and are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law. All charges against Landers are alleged, and all information in this article is based solely on publicly available court documents.