By SYDNEY KENT
A man, whose plea deal was revoked in September, attempted to be sentenced according to the now-nullified agreement in the Wells Circuit Court last week.
Ryan Manley Stinson, 37, rural Poneto, was scheduled for a bail revocation hearing on Wednesday for two counts of child molesting, both Level 4 felonies, and battery on a person less than 14 years old, a Level 6 felony. The case was opened in July of 2022, after a child in Stinson’s care reported that he molested her in his home.
The morning that Stinson was to be sentenced for this case, he turned himself into the Wells County Jail, while intoxicated, on new charges for three counts of sexual misconduct with a minor, all Level 4 felonies. The charges were filed Sept. 5, after a family member reported a previous history of ongoing sexual abuse she endured from Stinson when she was a minor.
Stinson was denied sentencing in the initial case due to still being under the influence of alcohol in court. His plea agreement was revoked due to the additional charges. The matter was reset to a status hearing, however, Stinson then acquired a third set of charges only two weeks ago for domestic battery in the presence of a child less than 16 years old, a Class A misdemeanor, and domestic battery on a person less than 14 years old, committed by a person who is at least 18, a Level 5 felony. The charges were filed after Stinson’s wife reported a history of ongoing domestic abuse against her and their children.
After the third set of charges were filed, the state of Indiana filed a motion to revoke Stinson’s bond.
Stinson’s attorney, Benjamin Nordmann, attempted to avoid the bail revocation by requesting sentencing in the initial case that was filed last July.
“The state of Indiana indicated they intended to pull the plea agreement, citing they had the authority to do that,” Nordmann said. “However, the subsequent offense allegedly occurred years before the circumstances. We heard testimony from the alleged victim’s mother that the child would not be produced. Mr. Crell was on record saying this child’s mother was the most uncooperative witness he has ever dealt with. Our request is to move forward with sentencing.”
Prosecutor Colin Andrews explained, as he did during the hearing last month, that the state of Indiana already utilized the right to revoke Stinson’s plea agreement should he be charged with a new offense prior to sentencing, regardless of when the crime occurred.
“I made an official record that we were doing this,” Andrews stated firmly. “The court acknowledged this. I don’t know what Mr. Nordmann is asking. In regard to the other statements he made, I was not there, and I don’t see what the relevance is other than to stir the pot.”
Nordmann continued to explain his primary goal was to use the bail revocation hearing as a sentencing hearing.
“I don’t know why we are arguing,” Prosecutor Colin Andrews finished. “Once again – the state is exercising their right. The plea agreement, as far as the state is concerned, is off of the table.”
Judge Kenton Kiracofe confirmed the state’s position. All three cases are scheduled for pretrial conferences at 3:30 on Nov. 29 in the Wells Circuit Court. Stinson is currently incarcerated at the Wells County Jail with a bond set at $15,000.
sydney@news-banner.com
