Child sexual assault added to list of charges against missing woman's husband

According to Gage County Attorney Randy Ritnour, the alleged assault involved a child already acquainted with William Kelley. Evidence of the assault arose during the investigation into Ann Kelley’s disappearance, which has continued in earnest for a month and a half since she and her mini-van went missing from her rural Filley home. The sexual assault took place between August 2006 and August 2007.

This is the 14th charge leveled against William Kelley in the last few weeks, during which over a pound of marijuana and multiple firearms were allegedly found at his home. A previously convicted felon, Kelley cannot legally own guns. He is currently lodged in the Gage County Detention Center, where he awaits a June 9 hearing on the drug and firearms charges, as well as the sexual assault charge.

"At this point, some folks are wondering if I’m just piling on more charges," Ritnour said. "As we investigate, we are finding more and more evidence, and I’m not going to overlook that just because ‘he has enough.’"

As to whether William Kelley is a suspect in his wife’s disappearance, Ritnour maintains that it hasn’t yet been determined if the case is a crime. "There can’t be suspects unless there is a crime. William Kelley is certainly a person of interest, as all family members are in cases like this, but it’s nothing new. He has been since the beginning."

There has been no activity on Ann’s credit card or bank account, and she has still made no contact with family. The good news is that the public has taken its role seriously in remaining vigilant. As long as they keep getting tips and have leads to follow, Gage County authorities will continue the search.

At the same time, a vigilant public has the tendency to jump to conclusions based on what it sees. Gage County Sheriff’s deputies tracked down a van matching the description of Ann’s, which someone had spotted traveling south on U.S. Highway 77 and stopping at a gas station in Wymore. It was not Ann’s van, but the driver was arrested for driving with a suspended license. Contrary to appearances or rumors, no evidence has been found yet of foul play, and there has been no sign of Ann or her vehicle.