A man accused of allegedly molesting a 1-year-old female child does not have a criminal history, according to Wadena County Attorney Kyra Ladd.
On Tuesday, Matthew Lee Farber, 23, Motley, appeared in court for a Rule 8 hearing. Ryan Ries was appointed Farber's public defender and he asked the court to reschedule the Rule 8 hearing so he could have time to talk with his client before the hearing. Farber will appear in court Aug. 1 for a Rule 8 hearing.
Farber is charged with felony first-degree criminal sexual conduct for molesting the 1-year-old, according to court reports. The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 144 months, or 12 years, in prison. The maximum penalty is 30 years in prison and a $40,000 fine.
The prosecution presented the defense with information in their possession about confessions, admissions or statements in the nature of confessions made by the defendant; evidence against the defendant discovered as the result of confessions, admissions or statements made by the defendant; and a list of prospective witnesses that includes police officers and a doctor at Lakewood Health System in Staples.
Bail for Farber was set at $500,000 bail/bond without conditions or $250,000 with conditions.
