Bond set at $100,000 for man accused of child molesting

Visibly shaken, a Cloverdale man charged with child molesting made his initial court appearance by video Wednesday afternoon.

Jonathan R. Maw, 31, is accused of molesting a female under the age of 14 for about two years, as well as showing her pornography on his computer.

The video appearance was made necessary by Maw’s behavior since he was taken into custody on Friday, which has apparently included attempts to harm himself and jail staff.

Asked by Superior Court Judge Denny Bridges if he understood the charges against him, Maw took a moment to answer.

“No,” Maw began, “but yes.”

“I’m not asking if you agree with it, but if you understand it,” Bridges clarified.

After another pause, Maw said he understood the documents.

What Maw came to understand as the hearing went on, though, is exactly how seriously the court is taking the charges against him, which include two Level 1 felony counts of child molesting, Level 4 felony child molesting and Level 6 felony dissemination of matter harmful to a minor.

Bridges had already entered not-guilty pleas on Maw’s behalf when the subject of bail was discussed.

“I’d like to post bond so that I can go and hire an attorney and keep working and have visitation with my daughter,” Maw said.

However, Deputy Prosecutor Justin Long had other ideas, requesting a high bail amount.

“I was going to ask for $100,000,” Long told Bridges. “He has tried to harm himself and at least one jailer has been battered.”

Maw tried to argue that he needs to be out and in therapy for such matters.

“I’ve been in therapy for this kind of thing and I’m on medicine,” Maw said. “I’d like to be back in my routine.”

However, Bridges set bail at $100,000, cash only.

Maw later realized this meant the full amount, not the 10 percent that is sometimes allowed.

“I have to come up with $100,000, not $10,000?” he asked.

“Yes, but I’d advised you ask your attorney about your bail options,” the judge said.

“Then I’m going to ask that you appoint a public defender since I won’t be able to hire an attorney unless I’m out,” Maw said.

Bridges obliged, appointing Melinda Jackman-Hanlin to the case.

Maw was also advised to have no contact with the victim if he is able to post bail.

One other development was the question of where to house Maw. With ongoing issues at the jail and the apparent need for counseling, Sheriff Scott Stockton had requested that the court have Maw housed with the Department of Correction.

Bridges obliged, sending a request to the DOC.

Though Maw was just arrested last week, the Indiana State Police investigation began in December after the alleged victim saw a presentation on physical and sexual abuse at school. At that time, according to court documents, she realized she was a victim of sexual abuse and advised the faculty.

The girl advised investigators that Maw had been molesting her for about two years, as well as showing her pornography.

Court records note that Maw’s wife even told investigators that he does not deny the allegations anymore and that he is “sick” and has “voices in his head.”

Records further reported that on March 14, Maw called ISP Det. Jason Schoffstall, telling the investigator he would not take a polygraph test because “it was not in his best interest and it would not exonerate him.”

Level 1 felonies, of which Maw is charged with two, carry a sentencing range of 20-40 years. Level 4 felonies are punishable by 2-12 years in prison. Level 6 felonies carry a sentence of six months to 2.5 years.

Maw is next due in court at 9:30 a.m. on May 29 for a pre-trial conference.