Kent County, Mich. — Kent County Commissioner Gary Rolls of Ada waived his preliminary hearing in court Wednesday, December, 4.
“Within the next 42 days, they`re going to set up your case downtown,” Judge Sara J. Smolenski of 63rd District Court.
It was a quick court appearance for Rolls.
Since the hearing was waived, the case will head straight to the circuit court for possible trial without early testimony from witnesses.
He is charged with six counts including: first-degree criminal sexual conduct, evidence tampering and using a computer to commit a crime.
He’s accused of sexually assaulting a woman from the time she was 9 years old until the age of 23.
Michigan State Police also allege that Rolls remotely deleted evidence that may have been contained on his I-Pad as the investigation was ongoing.
Some of the testimony that may come out at trial may include some accusations already discussed during a protection order hearing for the alleged victim.
She testified that Rolls had used threats involving a concealed weapons permit gun to convince her not to tell others about the relationship.
She stated to the courts that Rolls had told her, “If you tell anyone I will take care of you and no one would ever know who did it.”
Detective Denise Bentley previously testified that when they searched Rolls’ home, they discovered a number of weapons registered to him, including 19 handguns.
Judge Smolenski reminded Rolls that he was not permitted to have contact with the alleged victim while he is out on bond.
She also clarified that he would be allowed to continue to use his I-Phone for work purposes.
Part of his bond restrictions prohibit him from using computers except when it comes to his job.
Rolls will remain out on bond as the case is now heading to circuit court.
He told a judge during arraignment he would be working to prove his innocence.
