By SYDNEY KENT
The Wells Circuit Court denied a continuance for a Montpelier man facing felony-level charges for child molesting and child exploitation on Wednesday.
Joshua Daniel Huffman, 42, is charged with two count of child molesting, both Level 1 felonies, two counts of child molesting, both Level 4 felonies, one count of child exploitation and one count of possession of child pornography, both Level 5 felonies.
During his fifth pretrial conference in the matter, Huffman’s public defender, Patrick Miller, requested another continuance. Similar to prior hearings, Miller explained that Huffman is facing similar charges in Blackford County. His family is reportedly in the process of hiring a private attorney.
Judge Kenton Kiracofe denied the request, noting that the case has been pending since September.
“This is the fifth pretrial conference,” Kiracofe stated. “I think, from my notes, the state believed three days (for trial) is necessary?”
Prosecutor Jeffrey Steinburg confirmed that three days would be sufficient for the charges involved and the number of witnesses that are needed to testify.
Huffman is scheduled for a trial in the matter from Oct. 15-17 in the Wells Circuit Court.
“If you’re attempting to hire your own counsel, it is imperative you do so sooner rather than later,” Kiracofe concluded. “The closer we get to the trial date, the less likely I am to grant you a continuance because of a new attorney in the case.”
According to a probable cause affidavit, between May 2021 and September 2023, Huffman is alleged to have repeatedly molested two minors who were children of the woman he was dating. Both victims reportedly disclosed that Huffman would threaten them if they wouldn’t comply with various forced sexual acts. One child told police that Huffman made them believe their mother owed him money.
Several months later in Blackford County, Huffman was charged with two counts of child molesting, both Level 1 felonies, and two counts of child molesting, both Level 4 felonies.
Both cases involve the same victims. A final pretrial conference is scheduled at 1 p.m. on Sept. 11 in the Wells Circuit Court.
sydney@news-banner.com
