A brief 10 minute hearing in Adams Circuit Court Thursday afternoon was held for the arraignment of Benjamin E. Christner, 42, rural Berne, who was arrested last week on three charges of child molestation which in this situation are considered level one felony offenses.
After being sworn in by Judge Chad Kukelhan, Christner, who appeared via video from the Adams County Law Enforcement and Detention Center, listened as the judge read the three counts filed against him. He told Kukelhan that he understood the charges as read and when Kukelhan asked him about his highest level of education, he responded “eighth grade.”
Kukelhan said that after reviewing the affidavits filed against Christner, he agreed there was probable cause for his arrest. The judge told Christner that each molestation charge carries up to a $10,000 fine and a prison term of 20-50 years. Kukelhan then set bond for Christner of $350 cash and $60,000 surety. If he does post bond, Christner was ordered by Kukelhan “do not have any contact whatsoever with any of the victims in this case” and the defendant agreed to that point.
Christner said he was not seeking a public defender and had reached out to attorney John Cowan to represent him. Cowan was not present for Thursday's hearing and the court set a March 3 date at 8:30 a.m. for an attorney to make a presence in court on Christner's behalf to make sure he does have legal representation.
The court also set a pre-trial conference hearing for April 28 at 10:45 a.m. and a jury trial date of May 26 at 9:45 a.m.
