UPDATED: Thouvenell trial delayed again

By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

UPDATED WEDNESDAY Trial that was scheduled to begin today for an adoptive grandfather charged in 2017 with 12 counts of aggravated indecent liberties with children and one count of battery was delayed for the 10th time.

In a case prosecuted by the attorney general’s office, Jerry Thouvenell was charged in February 2017 for alleged offenses involving three victims between Jan. 1, 2012, and Aug. 8, 2016.

Thouvenell is accused of engaging in lewd fondling or touching with the intent to arouse or satisfy sexual desires of himself or the children.

His wife, Sheila Thouvenell, was charged with interference with law enforcement and two counts each of aggravated endangerment of a child and aggravated intimidation of a witness.

She pleaded no contest in April 2018 to interference with law enforcement and was sentenced to 12 months’ probation. The remaining charges were dismissed.

His trial has been was set, then delayed, nine times. The most recent delay, from January to today, was because he said he was suffering lingering effects of COVID-19.