Summerlin private school students accused in sex assault case paused, pending appeal

A Las Vegas judge agreed to pause the criminal case of Summerlin private school students accused in connection with an overseas sexual assault while they appeal prior decisions to try them as adults.

“I think in light of all the issues that were raised and the fact that they ordered briefing speaks volumes,” said District Judge Christy Craig, referring to the Nevada Supreme Court. “I don’t think that I have jurisdiction. So I’m going to go ahead and grant the stay until we hear back from the Supreme Court.”

Two 15-year-olds, Vaughn Griffith and Dominic Kim, are each charged with a count of possession of child sexual abuse material. Kim also faces two counts of child abuse, neglect or endangerment.

They and other boys are accused of participating in the sexual assault of a classmate on an Alexander Dawson School trip to Costa Rica in April 2025.

Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson has said local prosecutors do not have jurisdiction to prosecute the assault itself because it happened in Costa Rica.

Additional teens suspected of involvement in the assault are not facing charges because of the jurisdictional issues in the case, he said previously.

Defense attorney Josh Tomsheck told the judge that Kim’s appeal deals with the charges the state is pursuing against him as well as his certification as an adult.

Court records show Griffith’s appeal also challenges the decision to try him as an adult.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Stacy Kollins said she would not quibble if Craig was going to give the teens a stay.

“I think on behalf of at least my constituency, there’s going to be some disappointment in that because things aren’t moving forward, but I want to abide by the rules, I want a clean record,” she said.

Kollins previously said Kim and at least three other boys “gang raped” the victim, who believed the perpetrators were his friends, on their class trip.

Kim then showed videos to his peers and “continued to torture” the victim with their release, she said in juvenile court.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.