Nelson sentenced to 30-50 years on sexual abuse charges

Douglas L. Nelson, 43, of Thermopolis, has been sentenced after pleading guilty to two counts of first degree sexual abuse of a minor and one count of second degree sexual abuse of a minor after a plea agreement was reached with the Hot Springs County Attorney’s Office.

Fifth Judicial District Court Judge Bill Simpson, sentenced Nelson to 30-50 years in prison on each of the two counts of first degree sexual abuse of a minor, but ordered those to be served at the same time, or concurrently. On the third count, Judge Simpson ordered a sentence to be served after the first two, or a consecutive sentence, of 5 years supervised probation, with the stipulation that if Nelson violates his probation, he could spend another 8 to 12 years in prison. There were a total of three victims involved in these charges.

Additionally, Simpson ordered Nelson to pay $450 to the Wyoming Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund, along with other court costs and fees.

Nelson received 256 days credit toward his prison sentence for the time he was incarcerated prior to the sentencing.

Judge Simpson also ordered Nelson to have no contact with people related to the case and all minor children.

Timothy J. Blatt and Michelle M. McColloch Burns served as co-counsel for Nelson. Kelly Owen prosecuted the case for the State of Wyoming.

The investigation began in November of 2023 when a Thermopolis Police Officer met with one of the minor victims and their mother at the Law Enforcement Center after the minor told their mother about the abuse.