By Kelly Young

kyoung@jacksonvilleprogress.com

In unrelated incidents, two local men were arrested Feb. 13 by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department and charged with the aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14 years of age.

Glenn R. Wingard of Jacksonville and George H. Williams Jr. of Rusk are both in custody at the Cherokee County Jail. Wingard has also been charged with indecency with a child-sexual contact.

According to Chief Investigator Chris White, Wingard was arrested after a grand jury true-billed the case, having decided that enough evidence existed to take the case to trial.

The alleged crime took place about a year ago, White said. After investigating the complaint, Detective Gina Battley submitted the case to the district attorney’s office, which took it before a grand jury.

Judge James Morris, justice of the peace for Precinct 3, set Wingard’s bond at a staggering $250,000 for each of his two charges. According to Morris, $250,000 apiece was the amount preset by the grand jury. He said he felt the amount was proper and chose not to circumvent the decision of the grand jury by assigning a lower bond amount. Morris said it was one of the largest bond amounts he has set.

Williams was also arrested last week after an investigation into inappropriate behavior on his part.

“The sheriff’s department received information from a concerned individual regarding an alleged incident between Williams and a child. Detective Battley has been working the case, and she determined that enough probable cause existed to arrest the suspect and to have the case presented to a grand jury,” White said. “Williams was already in our jail — being held on charges for another agency — so we just added the charges.”

Bond was set for Willaims’ release at $25,000. Other than minor traffic offenses, Williams has no prior criminal record.

CCSD also made an aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury arrest on Valentine’s Day, for a crime that allegedly occurred at a New Year’s Eve party.

“The victim and the suspect were at a party together when they became involved in a verbal altercation. Outside the party, the suspect pushed the victim to the ground and began kicking her,” White said. “She was hospitalized with several injuries to her legs and a leg that was broken in several places, and she would eventually need surgery as a result of her injuries.”

Gilbert L. Ybarra turned himself in last week, with bond in-hand. His bond had been set at $40,000. According to White, Ybarra has been in CCSD custody in the past.

The following arrests were made by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department and the Department of Public Safety for the period of Feb. 12 through Feb. 18.

• Cesar Bayeon, public intoxication. A fine was set at $304.

• Llewellyn Berry, probation violation. No bond was offered.

• Tiffany Espy, theft by check. Bond was set at $500.

• Alejandro S. Garcia, failure to appear. Bond was set at $5,000.

• Jonathan Hufstetler, possession of marijuana and resisting arrest. Bond was set at $750 and he is being held.

• Adalberto G. Lopez, no driver’s license. No bond was offered.

• Matthew S. McAllister, theft. Bond was set at $500.

• Justin Morgan, theft. Bond was set at $2,000.

• Erin E. Rush, parole violation. No bond was offered.

• Chierra R. Stahl, driving while intoxicated and driving with invalid license. Bonds were set at $750 and $750.

• Ronald H. Tyer, driving while intoxicated (second offense). Bond was set at $1,500.

• George H. Williams Jr., aggravated sexual assault of a child. Bond was set at $25,000.

• Decarlton D. Wilson, no insurance, no driver’s license and violated a promise to appear. Fines were set at $400, $344 and $300.

• Ronald D. Wilson Jr., failure to appear. Bond was set at $10,000.

• Glenn R. Wingard, aggravated sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child-sexual contact. Bonds were set at $250,000 and $250,000.

• Kevin A. Wood, criminal mischief, two counts of assault causing bodily injury and interfering with an emergency call. Bonds were set at $4,000, $2,000, $2,000 and $2,000.

• Stacey L. Wright, failure to pay child support (Smith County warrant). No bond was offered.

• Gilbert L. Ybarra, aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury. Bond was set at $40,000.