TROY — A local elementary school janitor accused of sexually assaulting a child on school property appeared in court Wednesday afternoon.
Jerry North, 59, appeared in court for a pretrial conference where he asked to be allowed to stay at home throughout his trial.
News Center 7 was in court today when North’s attorney expressed why their side believed he should be allowed to go home and lower the bond amount. He said his client has no criminal record, is involved with numerous charities, and has a “lifetime” connection to his community.
North’s attorney also said the case against his client is “very weak.” The state prosecutor disagreed with that claim and said this is an extremely serious case and wants the bond to be raised.
Angie Long, North’s sister, took the stand to advocate for her brother and said he is someone who “is always willing to give.” She told the court that there would be no way for the family to put together enough money to allow North to make bond and be released from jail.
The judge did ultimately lower North’s bond from $800,000 to $300,000.
North was indicted May 3 on three counts of rape, two counts of gross sexual imposition, and one count of intimidation.
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Court records accuse North of sexually assaulting a child between the age of 6 and 9 between the years of 2018 and 2021. West Milton Police confirmed that the alleged assaults took place after school hours on school property.
North has been employed with Milton-Unio Schools since June 2017. He’s on unpaid administrative leave, according to Superintendent Dr. Brad Ritchey.
News Center 7 checked Wednesday evening and North was still listed as an inmate in the Miami County Jail. He’s expected to be back in court in July.
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