Grand jury indictment calls Newcomerstown man ‘a sexually violent predator’
NEW PHILADELPHIA – A 27-year-old Newcomerstown man has been indicted on nine counts of rape and called a sexually violent predator following accusations he engaged in sexual conduct with a child between the ages of 3 and 10.
Christopher Lee Patterson last week pleaded not guilty to a 13-count indictment that accuses him of engaging in sexual conduct with the child between 2013 and 2020. Patterson faces nine counts of rape, all first-degree felonies, the most severe designation. There also are four counts of gross sexual imposition, third-degree felonies.
All counts include a sexually violent predator specification that reads “The Grand Jury further finds and specifies as follows: Christopher L. Patterson is a sexually violent predator.”
Patterson has been in the Tuscarawas County Jail since June 30. A hearing is scheduled for Monday afternoon to determine if he will be granted bail.