Ind. man accused of attacking mental health patient

RICHMOND, Ind. — An eastern Indiana man faces sexual battery charges for allegedly fondling a patient while visiting his mother at a mental health facility.

The Palladium-Item reports that 40-year-old Billy J. Ward of Hagerstown was arrested Saturday on two counts of sexual battery. He was released the Sunday after posting bail.

A probable cause affidavit alleges that a woman who is a patient at the English Manor mental health facility in Richmond told authorities Ward inappropriately touched her and also removed his pants and forced her to touch his genitals.

The victim said that on separate occasions in early 2011, Ward also involved her in the viewing of inappropriate material and inappropriately touched her body.