A former J Resort security guard has been arrested and charged with sexual abuse-related offenses after police say he communicated online with someone he believed was a child.
On May 30 around 1:45 p.m., officers with the Reno Police Department responded to the casino after receiving a tip from a civilian YouTube-based predator investigation group. The group had come across the casino security guard, later identified as 38-year-old James Ziebell, communicating online with someone he thought was a child.
Officers spoke with the reporting parties, resort security and Ziebell, according to a release from the Reno Police Department.
During the investigation, officers developed cause to believe Ziebell knowingly communicated with a person he believed to be 14 years old in an attempt to engage in unlawful sexual conduct.
Based on the evidence, Ziebell was arrested on charges including attempted child abuse, luring a child through the use of computer technology to engage in sexual conduct, and attempted statutory sexual seduction by a person over 21. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Washoe County Detention Facility.
The Reno Police Department's Human Exploitation and Trafficking (HEAT) Unit is continuing the investigation.
J Resort said it became aware of video footage captured on May 30 that began circulating online involving a former employee.
The resort said its security team notified the Reno Police Department and the HEAT Unit after learning of the accusation. The individual was arrested and May 30 was the person’s last day employed by J Resort.
"We are aware that a video with footage captured on May 30, 2026 recently began circulating online involving a former J Resort employee."
"On May 30, a J Resort employee was accused of serious criminal conduct. Upon learning of the accusation, J Resort security notified the Reno Police Department and their Regional Human Exploitation and Trafficking (HEAT) Unit. The individual was subsequently arrested, and May 30 was their last day employed by J Resort."
"Prior to being hired, the individual went through a preliminary employment check and a Nevada Gaming Control Board background check. No issues were identified that disqualified them from employment. Additionally, their role involved annual anti-human trafficking training."
The resort said it will continue assisting law enforcement as appropriate and that it cannot comment further while the matter remains active.
"We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for everyone who visits and works at J Resort."
