A jury trial for a Claypool man accused of playing sexual games with a 5-year-old girl under a bed is scheduled to begin Tuesday.
Jonathen Raven Lovelace, 23, of 2669 W. CR 700S, Claypool, is facing one count of child molestation, fondling and touching, a level 4 felony.
Police say Lovelace took the victim under a bed and told her he wanted to play a game called “handsome boys and beautiful girls” where he had the girl touch his private parts, according to court documents.
Lovelace was arrested Nov. 1 on the charge. He has been held in the Kosciusko County Jail ever since.
Lovelace was put on the fast track for a trial, after requesting the court for a fair and speedy trial.
In a letter to Kosciusko Superior Court I Judge David Cates, Lovelace maintains his innocence. He said a 5-year-old doesn’t have any credibility and there is no physical evidence proving he committed the crime.
The trial is scheduled to take place over two days. Cates will preside.
Chief Deputy Prosecutor Katy Hampton will represent the state. Lovelace will be defended by Matthew Buehler.
Lovelace has two unrelated felony convictions – one for entering a vehicle in Douglas County, Ga., and one for robbery in Kosciusko County.
With his past record, the state is charging Lovelace as a habitual offender, which could enhance the potential penalty.
If Lovelace is convicted and is found to be a habitual offender, he will face eight to 32 years in prison.
(Story By The Times Union, Staff Report)
