PAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas man accused of child sex crimes appeared in court for a preliminary hearing Wednesday.
Joshua J. Bernal, 33 of Larned is charged with one count of Aggravated Indecent Liberties; lewd fondling, of a child under the age of 14, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.
The incident was reported to the Larned Police Department on August 29, and investigated by the Kansas Department of Children and Families. It is alleged to have occurred at a private residence in Larned during the Summer of 2022.
Following the presentation of evidence, Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell found the State presented sufficient evidence to support the charge and bound the defendant over to the higher court. Arraignment has been scheduled for March 23.
Based on the age of the alleged victim, if convicted Bernal faces a mandatory 25 year sentence under the Jessica’s Law sentencing provisions. He would also be subject to registration as a sex offender under the Kansas Offender Registration Act.
Bernal was arrested on October 14, 2022, without incident. He later posted a $50,000 surety bond and is currently subject to electronic GPS monitoring, according to McNett.