WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — A man who pleaded guilty to child pornography possession in 2022 faces a significantly higher bond with far stricter restrictions while he decides whether to remain on probation or be transferred to prison. I will do it.
Jonathan Charles Bell, 30, of Wichita Falls, pleaded guilty in February 2022 to five counts of possession of child pornography. His seven-year sentence was deferred on community supervision.
However, in December 2023, Bell was arrested on several charges of violating his sentence, and prosecutors filed a motion to convict him. The hearing was scheduled for Thursday, February 22, 2024, in the 78th District Court with Judge Meredith Kennedy presiding.
If the motion is granted, Bell’s case will proceed as if he had never entered the plea and his deferred community service sentence will be vacated.
Prosecutors claim Bell drove the minor home.
Prosecutors, led by Wichita County First Assistant District Attorney Doby Kosab, called sex offender treatment provider Emily Orozco-Clausen to the stand. She testified that during a sex offender treatment group meeting, Bell admitted to driving a teenage girl home in June 2023.
Orozco-Clausen testified that this was a direct violation of Bell’s community supervision and suspended him from the treatment program “for the safety of the community.”
Prosecutors also presented several other violations allegedly committed by Bell. These include Bell going to a movie theater and entering a child safety area twice since his sentence began, and possessing a book containing partially nude photographs. It will be done.
After prosecutors rested their case, Bell’s defense attorney, Colin Jordan, called Bell to take the stand himself.
Bell admitted the violation from the stand.
Bell testified that one night in June 2023, he was driving home from work when he saw a woman walking. The man offered to give the woman a ride, and the woman remained in the car for about five to seven minutes, she testified.
Bell then asked the woman if she wanted to add her to the social media platform, and the girl told him she was underage before getting out of the car, Bell testified. She did not know the girl’s age when she picked her up in her car, she testified.
Bell later testified that he had gone to see two Marvel movies at the Cinemark Theater since his community supervision sentence began. He testified that he did not know that going to the movies was a violation of the terms of his sentence.
Bell also testified that she found two comic books containing partial nudity in a box in her apartment. He testified that while unpacking he discovered comics and sexually explicit literature, which had been left at his parents’ home before he opened the box.
Judges impose higher bail amounts with stricter conditions
Judge Kennedy ruled that Mr. Bell’s bond was insufficient and increased his bond 20 times, from $5,000 to $100,000. He was booked into the Wichita County Jail following a hearing Thursday and released on Friday, Feb. 23, after posting increased bail.
Judge Kennedy also imposed several new bail conditions, including:
- A daily curfew will keep Bell confined to her home from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- GPS monitor must be worn at all times
- Any contact with anyone under the age of 18 is prohibited
- banned from going to the movie theater
- Any access to the internet is prohibited.
Judge Kennedy did not rule on Bell’s motion to find him guilty Thursday afternoon. Court officials said the hearing will continue until March 6, 2024.
This is a developing story. As more information becomes available, please visit the Texoma homepage to stay updated.
