Ridge man arraigned in child rape, porn case
Tribune Chronicle
WARREN – A Mineral Ridge man pleaded not guilty Thursday to more than two dozen rape and child pornography charges in connection to the reported rape of a young female family member.
Bernard Weathersbee, 45, 1286 Salt Springs Road, was arraigned by Trumbull County Common Pleas Court Judge Ronald Rice after he was indicted Wednesday on nine counts of rape that carry a life sentence; eight counts of rape; 10 counts of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance; and one charge each of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and tampering with evidence.
Weathersbee is being held in the Trumbull County Jail on $250,000 bond. If he posts bail, he must have electronic surveillance, for which he will pay for, and is prohibited from having contact with girl or her family.
Weathersbee, who was investigated by the Trumbull County Crimes Against Children Unit, was arrested March 25 by Niles police.