By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
EL RENO – An elderly Yukon man has been charged with a felony after a police investigation into a thwarted sexual assault.
WM Edwards, 86, was charged Dec. 12, 2022 in Canadian County District Court with attempted sexual battery or, in the alternative, assault and battery.
The defendant “knowingly and intentionally touched (the female victim) in a lewd and lascivious manner … calculated to arouse sexual interest” and without the victim’s consent, according to the charging document signed by Assistant District Attorney Rebecca Boyer.
Edwards allegedly grabbed the victim’s arms while telling her he “wanted to have sex with her” and “needed it bad.”
He was prevented from completing the act when the victim was able to break free from his grasp, court documents show.
Oklahoma City Police investigated the incident, which reportedly occurred Oct. 18 at the defendant’s home in eastern Canadian County. The house has a Yukon address but is in Oklahoma City limits.
Det. Amanda Foley of the Oklahoma City Police Sex Crimes Unit investigated the case, determining Edwards had violated the state’s sexual battery statute.
The alleged victim had recorded a phone call with Edwards after leaving his house, Det. Foley wrote in a probable cause affidavit.
“He told her he wanted to explain,” the affidavit reads. “He also told her he wouldn’t have had sex with her anyways.”
The attempted sexual battery charge is punishable by up to five years in prison. The assault and battery charge is punishable by up to 90 days in prison and/or a maximum $1,000 fine.
Canadian County Special Judge Charles Gass issued a warrant for Edwards’ arrest, setting bond at $25,000. The warrant was served Dec. 13 and the defendant was released after posting bond.
SENIOR CHILD PORN CASE
EL RENO – A Yukon man faces life in prison and a $10,000 fine for having a copious quantity of child pornography.
Thomas Dewitt Diehl, 76, was charged Nov. 15 in Canadian County District Court with aggravated possession of child pornography.
The charging documents describes the depiction of minors engaged in sexual activity.
Assistant District Attorney Rebecca Boyer alleges Diehl “knowingly kept in his possession 100 or more separate materials, representations or depictions in any form or medium” including an HP laptop.
Oklahoma City Police investigated the criminal case.
Diehl was booked in August at the Canadian County Jail, then released on a $1,000 bond. He appeared with attorney Jason Spanich for an initial arraignment Dec. 12.
A preliminary hearing conference is set Feb. 6 before Judge Khristan K. Strubhar.
