Teacher's case heads to grand jury

BAY MINETTE, Ala. (WALA) - The testimony in the preliminary child sex abuse hearing for Charles Lewis, Jr. was the first time details about the alleged incident were discussed with the public.

Baldwin County Sheriff's Office lead investigator on the case, Susan Gross took the stand and talked in detail about the conversations she had with Lewis and the alleged 9-year-old victim.

According to Investigator Gross, the boy said Lewis touched his privates inappropriately on a pull out couch. The boy said when he refused, Lewis grabbed the boy's hand and forced it on himself.

After hearing the testimony, Lewis' attorney, John Beck, concluded Lewis was doomed before he was even questioned.

"We are dismayed that the officer had apparently made up her mind to arrest Lewis before even talking to him. He adamantly denies these allegations and we look forward to our day in court," Beck said.

Investigator Gross also spoke about Lewis' account of the alleged incident, which was different than the boy's allegations.

She told the court Lewis said he showered with the 9-year-old in his home, and that if touching occurred it may have happened then, but nothing happened on the pull out couch.

"Lewis told me he drank a couple beers on the occasion.," Investigator Gross also said.

Baldwin County District Attorney Judy Newcomb believes the judge made the right decision in sending the case to a grand jury.

"Prosecute him to the full extent of the law, present the case to a grand jury, and let them decide any and all appropriate charges. Then hopefully move it on as quickly as possible to a jury trial," Newcomb said.

Newcomb also said this kind of case is one they don't take lightly.

"Well I think the seriousness is what are saying, it's serious because there was a child victim, whether he was a school teacher or not, but his access to other children is very concerning," she said.

FOX10 asked Lewis and his aunt several questions after the hearing was completed, but they had no comments.