Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department deputies have recently filed charges of child molestation and sexual misconduct with a minor against a Claypool man. Deputies arrested Paul Wiard, 71, of 4219 S. CR 450W, Claypool Thursday at 1:31 p.m. after the alleged woman came to the sheriff’s department and spoke with them about the multiple incidents. He has been charged with child molestation, a Class C felony and sexual misconduct with a minor, a Class C felony. If convicted Wiard could spend up to 16 years in prison. The girl was 9 or 10 the first time that Wiard molested her. According to the probable cause affidavit Wiard would put his hands under her shirt and rub her chest. Wiard also allegedly told the girl that if he stimulated her chest they would grow bigger and she would be prettier. The girl informed detectives that Wiard would go to Florida in the winter, but durng the summer months between April and October he would fondle her three to four times a week. The girl also told detectives that Wiard would put his hands down her pants and touch her private area. When detectives spoke with Wiard he informed them he did have pictures of a young naked girl, but he recently destroyed them. Wiard also told detectives the girl was proud to show him her chest, because she was just getting them. The Kosciusko County Prosecutors Office has set bond for Wiard at $20,000 surety only. Wiard bonded out at 6 p.m. Friday.
