W’burg man facing more sexual abuse charges

A Williamsburg man, who was indicted last year for allegedly sexually abusing a girl under the age of 12, is now facing additional charges in connection with the same incident.

A Whitley County grand jury issued a superseding indictment Monday against Peter Gerlaugh, 40, on three counts of first-degree sexual abuse of a female less than 12 years old. The superseding indictment replaces Gerlaugh’s previous indictment.

The abuse allegedly happened on May 29, May 30, and May 31, according to Gerlaugh’s new indictment.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Allen Trimble said during court Monday afternoon that the events arise out of the same event that prompted the original indictment, but prosecutors now have more specific dates, which lead to the additional charges.

“He confessed to three counts,” Trimble said prior to court.

Gerlaugh is scheduled to stand trial on June 26, 2018, and the new indictment isn’t expected to delay the trial.

Public advocate Ron Findell entered a not guilty plea on Gerlaugh’s behalf Monday.

Gerlaugh’s initial arrest warrant in the case alleged that the sexual abuse occurred between June 7 and June 13, 2017, according to court documents.\

According to its monthly report and indictments, the grand jury returned indictments against seven other people Monday morning, including:

• Thomas Watson, 40, of Rockholds – receiving stolen property (leaf blower, weed eater, pressure washer, assorted tools, etc. belonging to Bill Jett) valued at more than $500 but less than $10,000.
• David Arnold Partin, 45, of Williamsburg – flagrant non-support.
• Randy Smith, 29, of Rockholds, Cody Dotson, 27, of Corbin, and Jennifer Dotson, 22, of Williamsburg – first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine). Smith was also indicted on charges of tampering with physical evidence, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence, and for being a second-degree persistent felony offender. He has prior felony convictions for first-degree criminal mischief and theft by unlawful taking in 2013.
• Buck McGregor, 26, of Williamsburg, and Freddy Fuson, 45, of Bell County Jail – theft by unlawful taking over $10,000 but less than $1,000,000 (wiring harness, batteries and diesel fuel belonging to Shannon Browning), and first-degree criminal mischief (logging equipment). McGregor was also indicted for being a second-degree persistent felony offender. He has a prior felony conviction for receiving stolen property under $10,000 in 2013.

The grand jury returned no true bill or no indictment against Henry Sizemore III in connection with an investigation for unlawful transaction with a minor and first-degree criminal trespass.