Thouvenells make initial court appearances
Staff writer
A Marion man charged with 12 counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child younger than 14, and his wife, charged with three counts of aggravated intimidation of a witness, made their first appearances Monday in Marion County District Court.
Jerry Thouvenell, 56, appeared with his lawyer, David Phillip Leon, of Wichita.
The charges against Jerry Thouvenell stem from incidents that allegedly took place between Jan. 1, 2012, and Aug. 8, 2016, involving three children. In each count, he is accused of unlawfully engaging in lewd fondling or touching of a child with the intent to arouse or to satisfy sexual desires of himself or the child. He is also charged with one count of battery against a child.
Sheila Thouvenell, 50, appeared with her lawyer, Steven Johnson, of Newton.
Sheila Thouvenell’s charges stem from allegedly preventing a witness under 18 from reporting her husband’s alleged crimes. She is also charged with two counts of aggravated child endangerment for recklessly causing or permitting a child to be placed in a situation that compromised life, body, or health, allegedly occurring between June 30, 2014, and Aug. 8, 2016.
The purpose of first appearance is for the judge to tell the defendant the reason they were arrested and the charges in the complaint. The judge sets bond and tells the defendant their rights.
Jerry and Sheila Thouvenell are free on $50,000 and $15,000 bond, which they posted the day of their Feb. 3 arrests.
Both are scheduled for second appearance March 22.