Van Wert Man Pleads Not Guilty To Sexual Battery Charges

William Ladd Jr., 51, of Van Wert, entered a not guilty plea in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court to multiple felony charges.

Ladd is charged with two counts of sexual battery, both second degree felonies, two counts of sexual battery, both fourth degree felonies, and one count of illegal use of a minor or impaired person in nudity oriented material or performance, a fifth degree felony.

Bond was set at $100,000 cash or surety.

The court also ordered Ladd to have no contact with the victim or the victim’s mother.

A pre trial hearing is scheduled for May 27th, 2026, at 8 AM.

The charges are accusations, and Ladd is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.