Summerlin Private School Student Accused in Overseas Sexual Assault Appears in Adult Court

Dominic Kim, 15, faces charges of possession of child sexual abuse material and child abuse or neglect

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Dominic Kim, a 15-year-old student at the Alexander Dawson School in Summerlin, Nevada, has appeared in adult court on charges of possession of child sexual abuse material and child abuse or neglect. Kim was one of several students accused in connection with an alleged sexual assault that occurred during a school trip to Costa Rica in April 2025. A judge has ordered that Kim be tried as an adult in the case.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex legal issues that can arise when alleged crimes involving minors occur across international borders. While local prosecutors do not have jurisdiction to prosecute the assault itself, the charges against Kim and another student accused in the case underscore the serious nature of the allegations and the potential consequences for those involved.

The details

Dominic Kim, 15, faces one count of possession of child sexual abuse material and two counts of child abuse or neglect. Juvenile Court Judge Dee Butler ordered last week that Kim be tried as an adult. Kim is accused of showing video of the alleged assault to other children while attending an event at The Meadows School. Kim and the other boys accused in the case were students at the Alexander Dawson School in Summerlin when the alleged assault occurred during a school trip to Costa Rica in April 2025.

  • In April 2025, the alleged sexual assault occurred during a school trip to Costa Rica.
  • On March 5, 2026, Juvenile Court Judge Dee Butler ordered that Dominic Kim be tried as an adult.
  • On March 10, 2026, Dominic Kim appeared in adult court on the charges.

The players

Dominic Kim

A 15-year-old student at the Alexander Dawson School in Summerlin, Nevada, who is facing charges of possession of child sexual abuse material and child abuse or neglect.

Vaughn Griffith

Another 15-year-old student at the Alexander Dawson School who has already been certified as an adult and faces a count of possession of child sexual abuse material.

Steve Wolfson

The Clark County District Attorney, who has stated that local prosecutors do not have jurisdiction to prosecute the alleged assault itself because it happened in Costa Rica.

Josh Tomsheck

The defense attorney for Dominic Kim.

Dee Butler

The Juvenile Court Judge who ordered that Dominic Kim be tried as an adult.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal issues that can arise when alleged crimes involving minors occur across international borders, raising questions about jurisdiction, prosecution, and the appropriate handling of such cases.