Just before 11 a.m. Thursday, prosecutors filed multiple charges related to sexually explicit conduct involving children against a Batesville man.
Russell Christopher Ade (pictured), 65, is facing two counts of rape; six counts of engaging children in sexually explicit conduct for use in a visual or print medium; and 68 counts of distributing, possessing, or viewing matter depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child.
Batesville Police took Ade into custody in the front yard of his Brooks Street residence on July 7 after authorities had obtained a warrant to conduct a search of his home.
According to Ade’s July 8 arrest affidavit, Batesville Police Detective Brenda Bittle received information from Crimes Against Children earlier that month regarding a minor who had disclosed to a counselor of being inappropriately touched by Ade. After another interview, the child told officials about more than one incident involving Ade, the affidavit said. Ade denied having sexual contact with the minor in a police interview at the time. The affidavit said that when asked by Bittle why the minor would lie about the accusations, Ade then requested an attorney.
The new court filing from Thursday morning noted the charges were based on evidence from 2019 through July of 2022. The court record said the evidence included 2,357 photos and videos related to child pornography and other deviant sexual acts.
Ade has been placed on a $500,000 bond.
Image via Independence County Sheriff’s Department
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