We Are Reno

Reno Substitute Teacher Arrested for Child Luring

The school district terminated the 38-year-old employee following his arrest on Wednesday.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Sex Crimes

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Reno police arrested a Washoe County School District substitute teacher Wednesday following an investigation into allegations of child luring. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Reno police have arrested a Washoe County School District substitute teacher on charges of child luring. The arrest occurred at a school campus on Wednesday morning following an investigation by the regional Human Exploitation and Trafficking team.

Why it matters

The arrest follows allegations that the suspect sought to meet a minor for illicit purposes. The school district has confirmed that the individual is no longer employed by the system.

The suspect is 38 years old and allegedly believed he was communicating with a 15-year-old. The investigation remains open as authorities process evidence regarding the suspect's digital communications.

The players

Stephen Bolin

The 38-year-old former substitute teacher arrested on child luring charges.

Washoe County School District

The local school authority that confirmed the termination of the suspect.

Reno Police Department

The agency that conducted the investigation and executed the arrest.

The details

Stephen Bolin was taken into custody by Reno police after detectives from the regional Human Exploitation and Trafficking unit identified him. The arrest was executed in coordination with the district police department before the school day began to ensure campus safety. Bolin had been employed by the district since August 2026, but the district has now severed all professional ties with him.

Timeline

  1. August 2026: The suspect began his tenure as a substitute teacher.

  2. Wednesday, September 30, 2026: Police arrested Stephen Bolin at a school campus.

The Truckee Meadows View

This case follows the established investigative protocols of the regional Human Exploitation and Trafficking team. It reflects the ongoing efforts by regional law enforcement to monitor digital threats targeting local youth.

Parents with questions regarding student safety protocols should contact their child's specific school administration. Any residents who may have relevant information regarding the case are encouraged to contact authorities.

The takeaway

The school district has confirmed the suspect is no longer employed, resolving the immediate concern regarding classroom access. Concerned citizens can reach out to the tip line at 775-322-4900 to provide information on this ongoing investigation.

Further reading

For more information on how local authorities monitor and address Sex Crimes, visit our archives.

More information

To report information to the regional Secret Witness tip line, call 775-322-4900 or visit the official website.