Lebanon man indicted for sex abuse

Hossain H. Al-Freji, a.k.a. Joe Al-Freji, 40, of Lebanon was indicted for first-degree sex abuse and first-degree attempted sodomy in Marion Circuit Court recently.

According to the indictment between April and July 2008, Al-Freji subjected another person to sexual contact by forcible compulsion. The indictment also reads that he attempted to engage in deviate sexual intercourse with another person by forcible compulsion.

His bond was set at $50,000 with the condition that he have no contact with the victim.

In other indictments:

- Joseph L. Ruley Jr., 50, of 1490 Monick Branch Road in Loretto was indicted for first-degree wanton endangerment (five counts) and first-degree criminal mischief.

According to the indictment, on or about June 10 and 19, Ruley manifested extreme indifference to the value of human life by wantonly engaging in conduct that created a substantial danger of death or serious physical injury to five people. The indictment also reads that he intentionally damaged property owned by another, causing a loss of $1,000 or more.

His bond was set at $20,000 with the condition that he have no weapons at his residence, no contact with his victims, takes his medications and resides with his parents.

- William David "Billy" Rigdon, 26, of 1590 Sulphur Springs Road in Lebanon was indicted in three separate indictments for three counts of receiving stolen property over $500 and less than $10,000.

According to the indictment, on or about Sept. 23, Rigdon received, retained or disposed of property (miscellaneous items) valued at more than $500 belonging to another (Billy Followell, Dennis Morgeson and Weston Kemp), knowing it had been stolen or having reason to believe that they had been stolen, or Rigdon aided, abetted or counseled with another in said act. His bond was the same as prior cases, which was 10 percent of $15,000.

- Stephen Lanham, 41, of 3025 Tatum Lane in Gravel Switch was indicted for second-degree burglary, third-degree criminal mischief, alcohol intoxication, menacing, resisting arrest, third-degree terroristic threatening, disorderly conduct and first-degree persistent felony offender.

According to the indictment, on or about Sept. 11, Lanham knowingly entered or remained unlawfully in a dwelling with intent to commit a crime or he aided, abetted or counseled with another in said act. The indictment also reads that he intentionally or wantonly destroyed or damaged property belonging to another (valued at less than $500).

The indictment also reads that he was over the age of 21 and stood convicted of at least two other felonies after his 18th birthday. His bond was set at $2,500.

- Julie Smothers, 41, 3045 Tatum Lane in Gravel Switch was indicted for second-degree burglary. According to the indictment, on or about Sept. 11, Smothers knowingly entered or remained unlawfully in a dwelling with intent to commit a crime or she aided, abetted or counseled with another in said act. Her bond was set at $2,500.

Editor's note: The indictment of a person by a grand jury is an accusation only and that person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.