Man to stand trial for abuse
 
By Tiffany De Masters
tdemasters @thespectrum.com
Wayland Wyler

ST. GEORGE - Fifth District Judge Eric Ludlow decided after a preliminary hearing Friday that Wayland Wyler, 40, will stand trial on two counts of sodomy of a child.

At Friday's hearing the alleged victim, a female relative of Wyler took the stand and gave her testimony.

The 13-year-old sat on the stand while Ryan Shaum, with the Washington County Attorney's Office, and defense attorney Kenneth Combs asked her questions about the alleged sexual abuse.

Although the abuse allegedly occurred at several locations, both attorneys focused on incidents that occurred while the juvenile was living in Ivins and St. George.

While on the stand the juvenile couldn't recall specific dates.

"We have a 13-year-old girl that does struggle with dates. In terms of the actual abuse, she's clear of how it happened and where it happened," Shaum said.

He said a medical report from an examination of the juvenile corroborates her statements about sexual abuse.

Wyler decided to plead innocent and has decided to go to trial.

Ludlow addressed Wyler, stating that if he is convicted of the crimes he could spend five, 10 or 15 years to life in prison.

"That could be up to your natural life," Ludlow said.

Wyler said he understood.

Combs asked the court about reducing Wyler's $100,000 cash-only bail, but Ludlow denied the request.

"He (Wyler) maintains his innocence of these crimes and intends to take it to trial," Combs said. "There's a number of witnesses he will bring to court to support his case."

Shaum said he's happy to move beyond the preliminary hearing and looks forward to putting the evidence before a jury.
 
TheSpectrum.com
Originally published December 8, 2007
 
Back