A grand jury indicted a local man for molesting his 9-year-old daughter Monday.
Prosecutors say Billy J. Darby, 30, of 11650 River Road, sexually assaulted his 9-year-old daughter multiple times between March 1 and Dec. 31. They also say he told his daughter that she would lose her family and her parents if she reported the assault.
The grand jury indicted Darby on three counts of gross sexual imposition and one count of witness intimidation. All of the charges are third-degree felonies, each with a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
Darby could spend 20 years in prison if convicted of all charges.
Darby appeared in Municipal Court last week for his initial appearance. Municipal Judge William Grim ordered $25,000 bail for Darby on each felony charge - a total of $100,000. Grim also barred Darby from paying a 10 percent bond for his freedom, which usually is allowed.
If he posts bond and is released, Darby still must avoid any contact with his daughter. As of yesterday, Darby had not posted bond and still is being held in the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail.
Darby will appear in county court for his felony arraignment Feb. 3.
Assistant County Prosecutor Keller Blackburn will prosecute the case, but he was out of the office yesterday and could not be reached for comment.
1 News
Frank Thomas
30358a.jpg
