Arraignment next for Ford, after preliminary hearing

Kenneth Ford, 62, Cadott, was bound over, during a preliminary hearing Feb. 5.

Ford faces three counts of First Degree Child Sex Assault – Sexual Contact with Person under Age of 13; and one count of Attempt First Degree Child Sexual Assault – Intercourse with Person under 12.

Investigator Kari Szotkowski, Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office, was called to the stand as a witness for the state. Szotkowski confirmed she investigated a matter involving Ford in March 2020. A portion of the reports were admitted as Exhibit No. 1.

Defense attorney Harry Hertel asked, if during the victim interview, the victim said she did not know the difference between the truth and a lie. Szotkowski said she did not recall if the victim said she did not know the difference.

“Typically, when I do an interview, I will use examples to come to a conclusion whether they do or do not (know the difference),” said Szotkowski, adding that the examples she uses are not related to the case.

Hertel also questioned the process Szotkowski used to make sure the victim understands how to tell what happened, from start to finish. He noted that the victim, in her initial telling of the string of events, did not mention her clothing coming off before the end of the story.

“It’s not uncommon for any type of victim, or juvenile, that you talk to, to have to go back,” said Szotkowski.

Judge Steven Gibbs found probable cause that a felony was committed and that Ford probably committed it, before binding the defendant over.

Ford is next scheduled to appear in court for an arraignment Tuesday, April 27, at the Chippewa County Courthouse.