On Wednesday, Judge Gary Loxley scheduled the trial, although Ward is now to be tried under a different section of the child enticement charge - filed Tuesday by prosecutors due to questions about the constitutionality of one originally filed.
Ward is still charged with aggravated trespassing and criminal child enticement, both misdemeanors with maximum six- month jail terms.
Assistant County Prosecutor Cynthia Ellison said there were no other resulting changes, including witnesses to be called, in the trial, which was already scheduled in the previous case, dismissed Wednesday by Loxley.
Public Defender Kelly McKoy asked for more time to prepare to defend Ward on the new charge, but Loxley decided the trial should still be set for Friday, after hearing arguments from both sides.
Ward was arrested on Dec. 14 after police stopped him in the neighborhood on the south side of Springboro, down the street from where he allegedly asked the girl to come with him to his truck after knocking at her door.
According to a police report, the girl slammed the door and quickly told her mother, who saw Ward and another man drive off and called police with a description, including the tattoos framing Ward’s face.
Ward was identified by the girl and her mother, according to the report.
From the start, Ward has demanded a jury trial. He faces prison, if found to have violated parole, compared to county jail sentences, along with prison if convicted in the child enticement case.
In February, the girl was found competent to testify after a court hearing.
The trial is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. Friday in the county court in Lebanon.
Bond continued at $40,000, but Ward remained in jail due to a hold placed on him by the state parole authority.
About the Author
