Probable cause found in child sex abuse case

By LISA SIMPSON STRANGE
Glasgow Daily Times

GLASGOW June 23, 2009 12:14 pm

— A Glasgow man appeared before District Judge John Alexander on Monday afternoon on more than 70 sexual abuse charges involving a minor.
Stephen Barry Wooten, 39, of Glasgow, has been charged with a total of 74 counts including, 36 counts of first-degree sodomy, one count of first-degree rape, and 37 counts of other sex-related charges all involving a victim under the age of 12.
Assistant County Attorney Gabe Pendleton questioned Barren County Sheriff’s Detective Ann Phelps regarding an interview she conducted with Wooten on June 12, after which he was arrested and lodged in the Barren County Correction Facility on $25,000 cash bond.
Phelps testified Wooten allegedly admitted to multiple charges of sexual abuse with a child. She also stated Wooten admitted to having oral sex with the victim over a period of one and a half years averaging twice a month and also having sexual intercourse with the child.
Alexander ruled because the defendant made admissions under oath to Phelps there was probable cause to send the case to the grand jury. It is unknown at this time when the case will be presented to a Barren County grand jury.
Defense attorney Greg Berry asked for a reduction in the bond to 10 percent or $2,500 cash. Pendleton objected on the grounds that a protective order hearing is scheduled for later this week. Alexander agreed not to change the bond until after that hearing takes place.
Alexander set a bond modification hearing for Monday, June 29, at 3 p.m. following the outcome of the hearing in family court.

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