A Millfield man was arraigned in court Monday, pleading not guilty to an indictment charging one count of sexual battery.
Travis Kierns, 21, is accused of a third-degree felony against a 22-year-old victim, who was “under his care at Echoing Meadows” residential assisted living facility, said Athens County Prosecutor Keller Blackburn in a release from his office.
Representatives from Echoing Meadows, 319 W. Union St. in Athens, could not be reached by press time.
It is unclear how, or if, the victim is disabled.
The Post does not publish the names of victims of rape, sexual assault or sexual battery.
Judge L. Alan Goldsberry stated that Kierns, who is not an Ohio University student according to the university’s online directory, will be released on his own recognizance as long as he makes bond.
Court documents do not specify whether the victim is a student at Ohio University.
The bond was set at $15,000 with 10 percent, and Kierns is ordered to stay away from the victim.
Kierns will appear in court Dec. 9 for a pretrial hearing. A jury trial is set for Jan. 28, according to court documents.
kf398711@ohiou.edu
@KellyPFisher
