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Centerville man to stand trial in molestation case
Staff writer
A Centerville man will stand trial on charges he molested a 4-year-old boy earlier this year.
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The 10-year-old cousin of the boy testified that he walked into his aunt's bedroom and saw Lutsko, whom he called Bear, molesting the younger boy.
"When I asked him what he was doing, he tried to change the subject and threw a Frisbee that hit my cousin," the 10-year-old testified. "Then he went downstairs and went home. I told my grandmother what happened."
He later explained that the woman was his great-grandmother, who had been washing clothes on another floor. His grandmother reported the incident to police.
The older boy told defense attorney Erin Dickerson that Lutsko had been fixing a door and had gone upstairs to put away a drill. He said his cousin followed Lutsko up the stairs.
Dickerson asked the boy what molestation meant. After he explained the term, she asked him who explained that to him.
"I learned the word in school," he responded.
The boy testified that he believed the incident occurred before last Christmas. Centerville police Officer Jeffrey Barone said he was told it happened in February, just before Valentine's Day.
Dickerson argued the charges should be dismissed because of the disparity in the dates and confusion over who was in the home.
Assistant District Attorney Traci McDonald told Dutton that the boy was able to describe, with specificity, the molestation that occurred.
Dickerson argued unsuccessfully to have Lutsko's $50,000 bond reduced. She said that he has ties to the community and would continue to be available for court. McDonald contended the bond should be increased, given the charges. Dutton kept the bond at $50,000 and Lutsko was returned to Washington County Jail.
