Anderson man changed with sexual misconduct with a minor
Nov. 13—ANDERSON — An Anderson man has been charged with four felony counts including sexual misconduct with a minor and intimidation.
Benjamin J. Bales, 25, 2200 block of East Third Street, was arrested Tuesday on two counts of sexual misconduct involving intercourse, sexual misconduct and intimidation.
If convicted, Bales would face a possible prison sentence of six to 30 years.
A probable cause affidavit filed by Anderson Police Department Detective Matthew Kopp states that Bales had sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl starting in July of this year.
During a Kids Talk forensic interview, the girl initially denied having sexual relations with Bales, but in a second interview admitted the two had sex at a local hotel and in Bales' car.
The girl said Bales threatened to shoot her father and burn down her mother's house.
Bales said during an interview that prior to meeting the girl he prayed for God to send him a person and he believed that the girl was that person.
He told Kopp that the two are now engaged and he proposed to her during a phone call on her birthday.
Witnesses said Bales knew the girl's age and he reportedly said, "age was just a number."
Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 765-640-4863.
