By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

A 53-year-old Hays man was arrested this month and remains jailed on suspicion of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

According to the Hays Police Department, Edward Layton McElhaney Jr., 53, Hays, was arrested April 18 on suspicion of indecent liberties with a child.

Ellis County Attorney Tom Drees said McElhaney was formally charged Wednesday in Ellis County District Court.

If convicted, McElhaney could face almost four years in prison and would be required to register as an offender, according to Drees.

McElhaney remains in the Ellis County jail in lieu of $50,000 bond.

The filing of criminal charges are merely allegations of criminal wrong doing, Drees said. The defendant maintains a presumption of innocence unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.