Nikole Babb
nbabb@cherryroad.com
Defense says he’s hopeful for no trial
*The following article contains information depicting a scenario of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.*
In his court appearance on Tuesday, May 27, William A. Wetzel appeared before the court for his arraignment hearing. During the hearing he was scheduled for a jury trial in August with his defense, James Watts, stating that he hopes for no trial at all.
Wetzel is before the court on one alleged charge of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. He was arrested in December 2024 after school officials reported they found video footage of Wetzel on a bus assaulting a child. He was employed as a bud aide at the time.
According to the affidavit that was released, a Safety Officer with the Augusta Department of Public Safety swore under testimony the following scenario:
Riding as a passenger bus aide on December 16, 2024, Wetzel was sitting across the aisle from a female student. All other students were off the bus a bus driver was driving the bus as it traveled towards the student’s home. Although he was partially concealed by a bus seat, it’s stated in the affidavit that it’s clear Wetzel was adjusting his pants and crotch area.
He then reaches across the aisle four times to grab the student’s hands and guides them to his crotch area. Even though the student was trying to pull her hands away, Wetzel continued to touch himself with the student’s hands in an up and down motion. He then adjusts himself and tells the child, “You’re almost home.”
The affidavit goes on to state that when Wetzel was arrested and in custody of the Augusta Department of Public Safety, he verbally confessed to the above statement but couldn’t give a reason as to why. He then called his wife and son, explaining what was happening and that he was guilty.
On December 18, Wetzel bonded out of jail custody and remains on GPS monitoring with a no contact order of the victim and any witnesses. On March 26, he pleaded not guilty before District Judge Jan Satterfield.
Although there was no mention of no contact with minor children that weren’t his family members, Assistant County Attorney Cheryl Pierce requested that be added to Wetzel’s bond. His jury trial was scheduled for August 26-29.
