Trial date set for Middletown man charged with child rape of girl over 8-year period

A summer trial date has been set for a Middletown man charged with sex crimes involving a minor.

William L. Powell, 69, of the 1300 block of Oxford State Road, was arrested Sept. 20, 2018 by Trenton police and charged with two counts of rape and gross sexual imposition. Last Monday a Butler County grand jury returned an indictment against Powell for three counts of rape, gross sexual imposition, two counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and contributing to the unruliness or delinquency of a minor.

Powell, who is free after posting a $405,000 bond that was set in Middletown Municipal Court, was in court Wednesday for a hearing, during which Judge Greg Stephens set June 18 for trial.

Powell’s accuser reported sexual abuse beginning at age 10 and continuing until she was 18. Two other accusers also came come forward, according to police. But Assistant Butler County Prosecutor Kelly Heile said there was a statute of limitations issue and the indictment return pertains to just one victim.

The indictment states the crimes occurred between 2004 and 2012.

Defense attorney Michael Brush said in September after Powell’s appearance in municipal court that his client is not guilty. He also said Powell is a veteran, served as a paramedic with a life squad and has no criminal record.

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