Minister indicted for child indecency

Llano (KXAN) - A Llano County grand jury has indicted an ordained Baptist minister and former Llano Independent School District employee for indecency with a child. Jay Robertson, 54, is accused of inappropriately touching a child.

According to Robertson’s indictment, the alleged victim claims the sexual abuse happened in January of 1996. That was around the same time the Llano Independent School District hired Robertson as a school bus driver and paraprofessional who helped with the High School in-school suspension program.

Detectives with the Llano County Sheriff’s Office have not questioned school officials during their seven month investigation; however, Llano ISD Superintendent Dennis Hill said Robertson resigned for “personal reasons” in January.

Robertson was a man of few words outside his Llano home Tuesday and said, “The truth will come out.” Not disclosing any details about the case, his attorney Richard Davis said, “We are looking forward to our day in court.”

District Attorney Sam Oatman is looking forward to that day, too. He said Assistant District Attorney Cheryl Nelson is handling the case. Since the charge stems from more than a decade ago, prosecuting the case could present a challenge.

“Juries wonder why it took so long,” said Oatman. “But I think they generally understand when psychologists say for one reason or another a child wouldn't want to tell anybody about it.”

Investigators believe the case could open the door to other victims. If convicted, Robertson could face up to 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $10,000, and be required to register as a sex offender.