William Eugene Ferris, a 65-year-old man from Nevada City, is facing serious charges, including Oral Copulation of a Minor 10 Years of Age or Younger. Ferris was arraigned on Monday, with the complaint citing several aggravating factors, such as abuse of a position of trust, victim vulnerability, and deliberate planning in the misconduct involving an 8-year-old victim, as reported by the Nevada County District Attorney's Office.
The arraignment took place before Judge Courtney Abril, where Supervising Deputy District Attorney Helenaz Moteabbed Hill requested a "no bail" detention for Ferris. Hill suggested that Ferris's behavior might not be an isolated incident, given his age and the details of planning described by the young victim. The defense argued for Ferris's release, pointing to his clean criminal history. However, the court agreed with the prosecution's concerns and decided that non-monetary restrictions would not ensure public or victim safety. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 17, as stated by the Nevada County District Attorney's Office.
According to the Nevada County District Attorney's Office on their Facebook page, during the arraignment, the prosecution argued that Ferris should remain detained, stating, "The safety of the victim would be endangered if the defendant was released, noting the facts and circumstances of the case and the likelihood that the reported conduct was not an isolated incident given the defendant’s age and the severity of the conduct described by the young victim." The District Attorney's Office is asking anyone with information related to the case or possible additional victims to contact the Nevada County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit at (530) 265-1471.
