Huck bound over for trial

Man waives right to preliminary hearing, arraignment set for Oct. 16

By TERESA RESSEL
Daily Journal Staff Writer

STE. GENEVIEVE — The Ste. Genevieve man accused of molesting children at his wife’s home day care waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Tuesday morning.

If it had been held, Associate Circuit Court Judge Raymond M. Weber would have determined if there was probable cause or enough evidence for the case against William Huck Sr., 60, to go to trial.

Huck arrived in court Wednesday for the hearing surrounded by armed officers and wearing a bulletproof vest, according to an Associated Press report. Authorities said they were worried about Huck’s safety after his confession roiled this tightly knit community. Huck did not acknowledge spectators in the gallery as sheriff’s deputies led him into a small holding room next to the court and closed the door behind him.

When he waived the hearing more than an hour later, the case was bound over to circuit court for trial setting. He is scheduled for arraignment on Oct. 16 before Circuit Court Judge Kenneth W. Pratte.

Ste. Genevieve Prosecuting Attorney Timothy Inman said he was ready to present evidence at the preliminary hearing which was set for Tuesday morning. He expected to call three or four witnesses and present a couple hours of videotaped statements. 

Inman said he intends to drop four of the charges related to a victim who was allegedly molested between 1982 and 1983. Inman said the law was much different at that time and he wants to avoid any “appealable issues.”

The remaining 30 charges allege the abuse of seven victims.

While Huck reportedly confessed to molesting 40 children over the past 30 years, Inman said he doesn’t anticipate filing any other charges in the near future.

When asked if he had made Huck a plea offer, Inman said there “were some discussions” but there had not been “a hard concrete offer” or acceptance.

He expects Huck’s attorney to file a motion for a change of venue. He said if the request is filed in a timely manner, it will be granted. He anticipates the case will stay within the 24th Circuit.

Huck was arrested in March. He faces charges that include statutory sodomy, child molestation and sex abuse. The alleged victims included a 15-month-old boy and other children under the age of 5. The abuse allegedly happened during times when Huck’s wife was away from the center. He used fear to manipulate at least one child, according to police.

Authorities have said Huck’s wife was unaware of the abuse. She is not charged.

Huck, a retired railroad worker, had no previous criminal record.

The day care business was not licensed by Missouri because the couple watched fewer than five children at any given time. State officials said licensing is required only for centers with five or more children.

Huck is being held on $1 million bond at the Ste. Genevieve County jail.

Teresa Ressel is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at 573-431-2010, ext. 179 or at tressel@dailyjournalonline.com.

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