A Newton couple is scheduled for an April trial to face charges stemming from a sexual abuse investigation.
Berlou J. Barnard, 46, is charged with second-degree sexual abuse, possession of controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and providing false information as a sex offender. Michelle Wortman, 38, is charged with child endangerment for allegedly knowing of the sexual abuse and not reporting it.
The trial is anticipated to take place at the Jasper County Courthouse on April 6.
The two were arrested after the mother of the victim reported her daughter had been sexually abused by Barnard, who is a registered sex offender. The child had visits with Barnard under the stipulation that Wortman, his live-in girlfriend, was present for supervision.
The victim reported four incidents in which she was sexually abused by Barnard. According to court documents, Wortman walked in on at least two of these incidents, but did not tell the child’s parents about it. The victim described several items involved in the sexual abuse, which were found during a search of the property.
Also found during the search was a baggie of marijuana and two pipes. It was also discovered that Barnard had Facebook and Twitter accounts he didn’t report to authorities, as required by law for registered sex offenders.
Contact Jamee A. Pierson at
641-792-3121 ext. 6534
or jpierson@newtondailynews.com