By SYDNEY KENT
A man from Bluffton was not allowed to complete his sentencing hearing in the Wells Circuit Court Wednesday morning.
Ryan Manley Stinson, 36, was scheduled to be sentenced after he pleaded guilty to child molesting, a Level 4 Felony, in February. The plea was taken under advisement. According to court documents, a child under the age of 16 allegedly reported that Stinson fondled her naked body while she was at his home in May last year.
While he was out on bond for this case, a new charge was filed and a warrant for his arrest was issued Tuesday. Stinson was charged with sexual misconduct with a minor, a Level 4 Felony, and turned himself into the Wells County Jail for the warrant shortly before his hearing on Wednesday.
Due to consuming alcohol before being booked into the jail, Stinson was still intoxicated in court. Judge Kenton Kiracofe explained Stinson could not receive a sentence under the influence of alcohol and offered to schedule a new hearing.
The prosecution interrupted this process.
“The state reserves the right to remove a plea agreement should the defendant acquire a new charge,” Prosector Colin Andrews stated. “The state intends to do this. I ask that this not be reset for sentencing.”
According to a probable cause affidavit, Stinson engaged in sexual abuse with a child under the age of 16 in 2017 and took photographs and videos of the child. He then showed a friend the photos. When investigators spoke to the friend, he reportedly confirmed the allegations and stated he would look away from the evidence.
Stinson last appeared for sentencing for this case in June. A continuance was requested. At the time, he was dressed in a button down shirt and clean pressed dress pants. A woman and young children were present with him for the hearing. On Wednesday, Stinson was alone.
sydney@news-banner.com
