FLAT ROCK, Ohio — A Flat Rock man arrested Monday on charges of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor was re-arrested Wednesday after allegedly assaulting a deputy during his recapture, law enforcement officials said.
William R. Stevens, 46, was taken into custody at his Flat Rock residence at 15960 Water Street after an investigation into an alleged sexual assault involving a juvenile.
Special agents with the FBI’s Cleveland Field Office, Toledo Resident Agency, provided information that helped secure a search warrant signed by Judge Damon Alt of the Seneca County Common Pleas Court, according to a Seneca County Sheriff’s Office press release.
Stevens faces a third-degree felony charge of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. The arrest involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Ottawa County Crime Task Force, the Seneca County Drug Task Force’s METRICH Enforcement Unit, and the Seneca County Special Response Team.
On Wednesday, after posting a $200,000 cash bond, Stevens was released from jail.
Later that day, the Warsaw, Indiana, police department secured an out-of-state warrant for Stevens on a charge of unlawful sexual misconduct with a minor, a fourth-degree felony, and requested assistance from Seneca County deputies.
Officers located Stevens at the county probation office. During his arrest, he allegedly attacked a deputy—knocking him to the ground and assaulting him—before attempting to flee, authorities said.
In addition to the sexual misconduct charge, Stevens now faces felonious assault on a peace officer, a first-degree felony, and obstructing official business, a fifth-degree felony.
“My deputy was transported to Tiffin Mercy Hospital, and he was treated for his injuries. I am pleased to hear that he was eventually able to go home to his family,” Seneca County Sheriff Fredrick W. Stevens said in a statement.
Stevens remains in custody pending further prosecution.
