Abuse suspect's charges bound over to grand jury

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - A Mobile County judge bound three cases of sex abuse against Martell Malone over to a grand jury.

A preliminary hearing for Malone was held Wednesday morning in front of Judge Jay York.

Two Mobile police investigators testified against Malone on the three separate cases. The most recent incident happened in November.

Police said a female runner was attacked near Cottage Hill Park. Investigators said the suspect approached the victim from behind; the victim said she heard panting, and loud footsteps.

Police said the woman stopped to let him pass and that is when the suspect grabbed her.

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The victim was able to give police a good description of the suspect. A witness also gave police a description, as well as the description of a vehicle left unattended, but running, in the area. Police were also able to obtain surveillance pictures from a neighborhood camera.

Police said when the incident was made public many tips came in, including one from a fellow Mobile Police officer. Those tips lead investigators to Malone.

When Malone was taken in for questioning, investigators say he immediately asked for an attorney.

Both the victim and witness in this case were able to pick Malone out of a lineup.

He is also accused in two other sexual assault cases that happened in October. In both of those cases, women were approached a grabbed by an unknown male.

Malone is currently out of jail on bond.