14 child sex offenses alleged

A Hillsboro man arrested Feb. 12 formally was charged Thursday with 14 counts of sex crimes against a child younger than 14.

William A. Dykens, 36, Hillsboro, was charged with eight counts of aggravated criminal sodomy, three counts of rape, and three counts of aggravated indecent liberties. If convicted, he could be sentenced to life in prison.

According to a complaint filed in court, the incidents took place between Jan 1, 2020, and Jan. 1, 2023, and involved the same victim.

Emporia lawyer Christopher Ambrose and McPherson lawyer Torrence Parkins were appointed to defend Dykens. Dykens remains in county jail in lieu of $250,000 bond.

At his bond appearance Jan. 13, magistrate Laura Viar ordered that if Dykens bonded out, he would be supervised by court probation officers. Preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 8.

Hillsboro Police Chief Jessey Hiebert said the victim, who lives in the Hillsboro area, was taken into protective custody four days before Dykens’ arrest after she came forward. The victim and the suspect knew each other, Hiebert said.

“I’m just glad she got the courage to come forward,” Hiebert said. “We as an agency take these reports very, very seriously, and this will be investigated to the fullest extent.”