A local insurance agent has been charged with misdemeanor sexual battery.
The complaint against Dale Eugene Hendrickson was sworn June 29, according to Cowley County Attorney Chris Smith.
Hendrickson is accused of unlawfully, intentionally, and without consent, touching the victim with the intent to arouse or satisfy his sexual desires or those of another, Smith said.
The woman, identified only as L.M.B. in the complaint, is more than 16 years old and not his spouse. She is not related to Hendrickson, Smith said.
“Because the state has filed charges against someone does not mean that person is guilty,” said defense attorney Jennifer Passiglia, who is representing Hendrickson. “At this point, I am gathering information regarding the charge and preceding on the presumption the Constitution requires each person is assumed innocent.”
Hendrickson was not arrested but “summoned” to appear in District Court at 9 a.m. July 17.
Sexual battery is classified as a Class A Person Misdemeanor. If convicted, Hendrickson could receive up to one year in the county jail and be fined up to $2,500, according to Smith.
It is not unusual for defendants in a misdemeanor case to be summoned to court instead of being arrested and having to post bond or sit it jail while their case is processed.