Pastor, Dr. Ketner Charged with Attempted Rape

By Nancy Calderon
Dodge City Daily Globe
March 7, 2014

http://www.dodgeglobe.com/article/20140307/NEWS/140309388

Longtime Ford County resident and Pastor Dr. Jerrold W. Ketner, 79, was arrested Friday, March 7, in connection with rape allegations.

Dr. Ketner is being charged with seven counts:

Count one, rape, with a potential jail sentence of up to 653 months; count two, attempted criminal sodomy, with a potential jail sentence of up to 247 months; count three, aggravated sexual battery, with a potential jail sentence of up to 136 months; count four, attempted rape, with a potential jail sentence of up to 247 months; count five, attempted criminal sodomy, with a potential jail sentence of up to 247 months; count six, aggravated criminal sexual battery, with a potential jail sentence of up to 136 months and count seven, blackmail, with a potential jail sentence of up to 34 months.

According to the Dodge City Police Department the sexual assault investigation involving a 33 year-old female victim began at noon on March 6.

Dr. Ketner's $100,000 bond was modified to a $10,000 cash bond at his first appearance via video Friday, March 7, in Ford County District Court.

District Judge Ann L. Dixon ordered the defendant be placed under immediate house arrest if he should bond, saying she was concerned about Dr. Ketner having contact with his congregation as the charges against him allege the crimes occurred while he was active in his ministry.

While under house arrest, the defendant may not leave except for a medical emergency or to appear before the court.

The case is scheduled for a docket preliminary hearing at 1 p.m. on March 20, 2014.