Man awaiting sentencing on multiple charges now facing child molestation charges

by John Nowacky
in Action, News
on 19 June 2024

An 18-year-old from Oroville who was awaiting sentencing on gun, auto theft, and robbery charges is now facing additional charges of child molestation. William Phillip Kevil allegedly used a video call from the Butte County Jail to remotely molest a 13-year-old girl.

Kevil had previously pleaded no contest to 13 counts related to a “grand theft auto” crime spree in December of last year. However, the Butte County District Attorney’s Office special victims’ unit has now charged him with felony child molestation and contacting a minor for sexual purposes.

The investigation began when authorities discovered that Kevil was using the tablet communication system at the Butte County Jail to contact the 13-year-old girl. It was during one of these video calls that Kevil allegedly asked and influenced the minor to engage in sexual activity while he watched.

According to District Attorney Mike Ramsey, Kevil had known the victim prior to his incarceration and had been in contact with her multiple times during his time in jail. He had even gone to the extent of having the girl create a fake visitor profile to access the video feature on the tablet.

Once the authorities became aware of Kevil’s actions, his tablet privileges were revoked. He now faces the possibility of over 10 additional years of prison time for the newly added charges.

Kevil was arraigned on the new case and is currently being held in jail without bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 17, where he will enter his plea.

Inmate facing child molestation charges after using video call to molest minor

Facts not mentioned in the article but relevant to the topic:

1. Child molestation is a serious criminal offense involving the sexual exploitation or abuse of a minor.

2. The age of consent varies by jurisdiction, but in most places, it is 18 years old or older. Engaging in sexual activity with a minor below the age of consent is illegal.

3. Child molestation can have severe and long-lasting effects on the physical and psychological well-being of the victim.

4. Inmate communication systems, such as video calls, are monitored by authorities to prevent illegal activities and maintain security in jails and prisons.

5. The use of technology by inmates to commit crimes or harm others, even while incarcerated, is a growing concern for law enforcement agencies.

Most important questions and their answers:

1. What are the charges against William Phillip Kevil?
– William Phillip Kevil is facing charges of child molestation and contacting a minor for sexual purposes. He had previously pleaded no contest to gun, auto theft, and robbery charges.

2. How did the investigation begin?
– The investigation started when authorities discovered that Kevil was using the communication system at the Butte County Jail to contact the 13-year-old girl.

3. How did Kevil allegedly commit the child molestation crime?
– Kevil allegedly asked and influenced the minor to engage in sexual activity while he watched via video calls.

Key challenges or controversies associated with the topic:

1. Protecting minors from sexual exploitation and abuse is a significant challenge for law enforcement and society as a whole.

2. Ensuring the safety and security of inmates in correctional facilities while preventing them from using technology to commit crimes poses challenges for authorities.

Advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages:
– The use of video calls and communication systems in correctional facilities allows inmates to maintain contact with their families and legal counsel.
– Monitoring inmate communication can help prevent criminal activities and disruptions within jails and prisons.

Disadvantages:
– Inmates exploiting communication systems to commit further crimes, such as child molestation, highlights a potential weakness in prison security measures.
– The emotional and psychological harm caused to victims of child molestation is a significant disadvantage and a primary concern in such cases.