WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) – A man who pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography in 2022 faces a higher bail and stricter rules as he waits to find out whether he will remain on probation or move to prison. limits.
Johnathon 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 to community supervision.
However, in December 2023, Bell was arrested on several alleged sentencing violations, leading prosecutors to file guilt motions. A hearing is scheduled for Thursday, February 22, 2024, in the 78th District Court before Judge Meredith Kennedy.
If the motion is granted, Bell’s case would proceed as if he had never entered a plea and his probation community service sentence would be voided.
Prosecutors say Bell sent minors home
Prosecutors led by Wichita County First Assistant District Attorney Dobie Kosub subpoenaed sex offender treatment provider Emily Orozco-Crousen Get on the witness stand. She testified that during a sex offender treatment group meeting, Bell admitted to giving a ride home to a teenage girl in June 2023.
Orozco-Krewson testified that this was in direct violation of Bell’s community supervision and suspended his treatment program “for the safety of the community.”
Prosecutors also cited several other offenses Bell allegedly committed, including that he entered a children’s safe area on two trips to a movie theater since serving his sentence and that he was in possession of books containing partially nude photos.
After the prosecution adjourned, Bell’s defense attorney, Collin Jordan, asked Bell to testify in person.
Bale admits violation in the stands
Bell testified that one night in June 2023, he was driving home from get off work when he saw a woman walking. He testified that he offered her a ride and the woman stayed in the car for about five to seven minutes.
Bell later testified that he asked the woman if she wanted to add him on any social media platforms and the girl told him she was a minor before getting out of the car. He testified that he did not know the girl’s age when he gave her a ride.
Bell later testified that since the start of his community supervision sentence, he had gone to see two Marvel movies at the Cinemark Theater. He testified that he was unaware that going to the movie was a violation of the conditions of his sentence.
Bell also testified that he found two comic books containing partial nudity in a box in his apartment. He testified that he discovered the comic, along with sexually explicit literature, while unboxing it and that it had been in his home until he unboxed it.
Judge imposes higher bail with stricter conditions
Judge Kennedy ruled that Bell’s bond was insufficient and increased it 20 times, from $5,000 to $100,000. He was booked into the Wichita County Jail following Thursday’s hearing and was released on Friday, Feb. 23, after posting an increased bond.
Judge Kennedy also imposed several new bail conditions, including:
- Daily curfew requires Bell to stay home from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- GPS monitor required to be worn at all times
- No contact of any kind with anyone under the age of 18
- No cinemas allowed
- Any internet access is prohibited.
Judge Kennedy did not rule on the motion to convict Bell Thursday afternoon. Court officials said the hearing will continue on March 6, 2024.
This is a development story. Stay tuned to Texoma’s homepage for updates as more information becomes available.