'Sex ring' defendants plead not guilty
HUNTSVILLE — Each of the four co-defendants accused in a “child sex ring” entered not guilty pleas in their first court appearance here Monday morning.
Roger Dwight Williams, Willard Junior Foster, Anthony McKeehan and Jean McKeehan were each appointed legal counsel by Criminal Judge Shayne Sexton, and each entered a not guilty plea, during arraignments Monday morning.
The four were indicted on July 8 in connection with the sex ring, which investigators allege targeted young children and included both Scott and Morgan counties.
Williams, 37, is accused of five counts of rape of a child, 16 counts of aggravated sexual battery and two counts of especially aggravated kidnapping. Attorney Max E. Huff had been previously appointed to represent Williams. Standing in for Huff at Monday’s proceedings, Howard Ellis entered a not guilty plea on Williams’ behalf.
Foster, 46, of Morgan County, is charged with two counts of aggravated sexual battery. Campbell County attorney Mike Hatmaker was appointed to represent him.
Jean McKeehan, 32, is charged with two counts of aiding and abetting the rape of a child and one count of aiding and abetting aggravated sexual battery. Ellis was appointed to represent her.
Anthony McKeehan is charged with rape of a child. Phillip Kazee was appointed to represent him.
The next court appearance for each of the four defendants is scheduled for Sept. 2.