Full Notification

(Etowah County, Alabama) An Etowah County man in custody for sexual abuse and sodomy is facing an additional charge, according to Sheriff Todd Entrekin.

“Roy Dean Pruett, 61, of Gadsden, has been served with one count of first degree sexual abuse, which is a felony,” says Investigator Haydyn Hedgspeth.

He was arrested and charged yesterday, Thursday, July 17, with two counts of first degree sexual abuse of a child less than 12 years old and two counts of first degree sodomy, all are felonies.

The added charge comes today after another victim reported the abuse. Pruett had allegedly been sexually abusing the children at his residence in Gadsden. He was formerly employed by the Eagle Rock Boys Ranch.

Sheriff Entrekin says, “It’s a shame that this man was trusted by so many children, who were placed under care, and that he took advantage of his victims’ innocence.”

He stresses there is no statute of limitation on sex crimes.

“We feel sure there are others that have been victimized by this predator.” Sheriff Entrekin continues, “If you are a victim and have had any contact with Roy Pruett please, contact the sheriff’s office."

The investigation is ongoing and evidence shows the abuse has been taking place since 2011.

Pruett is being detained in the Etowah County Detention Center on a $375,000 cash bond.

Agencies working the case include: Etowah County Sheriff’s Office, James M. Barrie Center for Children and Etowah County DHR.

Additional information is not available at this time.
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