According to court documents, Warren Rice was arrested July 15 and charged with lewd and lascivious acts involving a minor and stalking.
The documents show the alleged incidents occurred when the victim was eight years old; the child is now 15. The victim’s father brought her into the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office in February.
The child recounted how when she lived with her mother and stepfather, the stepfather’s father, Rice, would sometimes babysit.
The victim told investigators that on three occasions, Rice had kissed her on her neck, shoulder and chest. One of the recollections does not list a location, while the other two incidents took place in the parent’s bed where the child was sleeping and on the couch in the living room. During each of the two later occurrences, the child was only wearing underwear.
A fourth episode took place when the victim was taking a bath and asked Rice, who she referred to as her granddad, to get into the tub with her. He did so, and the victim told him she would only wash his back and shoulders, not his privates. The victim told investigators she got out of the tub, leaving Rice in the bathroom.
The victim now lives with her father and stepmother. The father claims Rice still sends birthday and Christmas cards and gifts and has asked to see the child he once considered his granddaughter. The father has filed a protective order against Rice.
The day he was arrested, Rice posted bond of $25,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 30. His status as an employee with the City of Watonga is unchanged.