Wife of accused rapist faces charges

Van Wert independent

Two people were arraigned in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday, including the wife of a man charged with rape and escape.

Victoria R. Roberts, 31, of Middle Point, wife of rape suspect Thomas Roberts Jr., entered not guilty pleas to one count each of perjury and intimidation, both third-degree felony offenses, during arraignment hearings conducted by Magistrate Joseph Quatman in the absence of Judge Charles D. Steele.

The perjury count against Roberts stems from her allegedly making false statements during official proceedings.

The intimidation indictment states that Roberts “did knowingly attempt to intimidate or hinder the victim of a crime in the filing or prosecution of criminal charges, or a witness involved in a criminal action of proceeding in the discharge of the duties of the witness.”

Both charges are third-degree felony offenses and carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Roberts was released on an unsecured personal surety bond, with the condition that she have no contact with her children or husband. A pretrial conference is scheduled for 8 a.m. Thursday, April 28, in the case.

Her husband faces charges related to an alleged sexual assault on a minor younger than 13 years old and he also is charged with escape for his escape from a Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department cruiser while a deputy was in the process of transporting him to jail. Thomas Roberts was later recaptured in Mercer County and returned here, where he remains in jail on a $100,000 cash bond while awaiting trial later this month.

Mark L. Brown, 45, of Convoy, entered a not guilty plea to an indictment charging him with domestic violence, a felony of the fourth degree.

Brown was indicted on the charge in June 2010 but had been incarcerated in Indiana until recently. According to the indictment, Brown is charged with causing harm to a family or household member on May 30, 2010. The charge is a felony offense because Brown has a previous conviction for domestic violence.

County Prosecutor Charles F. Kennedy III asked for a high cash bond because Brown has an extensive criminal history that includes violence, as well as other criminal charges.

The magistrate set a $50,000 cash bond in the case and scheduled a pretrial conference for 8 a.m. April 28.