Trial scheduled for man found with missing child
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Dec. 5, 2024) – The suspect in a child sex abuse case involving a missing Georgia girl is competent to stand trial.
Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Court Judge Michael Ernest handed down the ruling on Tuesday, citing the findings of an independent psychological assessment.
“Dr. Adkins’ report is summed up on page 5 in which [he] indicates, ‘It is my opinion that the defendant is currently capable of understanding the nature and objectives of the legal proceedings against him and assisting counsel in his own defense.”
The decision came during a status conference for Antonio Agustin-Ailon, who also waived his right to a speedy trial. Ernest scheduled another hearing on February 25th and a jury trial beginning the first Tuesday in March.
The 34-year-old Dover resident is being held in the Tuscarawas County Jail without bond on six felony counts including rape, gross sexual imposition, and interfering with custody. Authorities say he met the 12-year-old victim online and brought her willingly to Tuscarawas County. She was with him on July 27th when he was taken into custody outside of the New Philadelphia Walmart.