Apr 6, 2015 2 min read

Editor’s note: The charges in the case referenced below were withdrawn April 20, 2015.

Centerville police arrested a West Virginia man after he allegedly tried to sexually assault a 15-year-old West Virginia boy early Saturday inside a camper parked at the National Steam Show grounds.

Benjamin Ryan Baker, 30, of Fairmont, W.Va., was arrested on charges of sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor, corruption of minors and furnishing alcohol to a minor.

The alleged victim told Centerville police that he was camping with a friend, later identified as Baker, on the steam show grounds. The boy told police that Baker was drinking and gave him some of the alcohol to drink.

The 15-year-old was going to bed when Baker allegedly started touching him, police said. The boy told police he managed to push Baker off, but that Baker tried touching him again.

The boy fled from the camper after the second alleged attempt and ran to a nearby home looking for help, police said.

“He went to the first house that he saw with lights on, and we were called,” police Chief Dan Gaso said Monday.

Gaso said no one else was on the grounds. He said it is his understanding that members have keys that allow them access to the grounds.

Baker was arraigned before District Judge Gary Havelka and released from Washington County jail later Saturday morning after posting $25,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is set for April 20 before District Judge Joshua Kanalis.