Staff Report

WINONA LAKE — A Winona Lake man faces charges after allegedly touching a minor inappropriately.

Francisco Jose Ramirez

Francisco Jose Ramirez, 50, 9668 N. SR 15, Milford, is charged with sexual battery, a level 6 felony.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on March 29, Winona Lake Police were contacted in reference to a report of child molestation. 

Police spoke with the reporting party on the phone, and arrangements were made to meet with the victim and the victim’s mother.

The victim reported being at a residence with two other minors, Ramirez and an adult woman. The victim said everyone was consuming alcohol. 

Later that night, the victim went to sleep on the couch and woke up to find Ramirez touching them inappropriately.

Police spoke with Ramirez, who initially said he didn’t know what happened because he had gone to bed early. Several times he said he did not know anything or did not remember anything.

A sexual assault examination was performed on the victim, with the victim’s consent, and Ramirez’s DNA was found in the area of the victim’s genitals.

Ramirez was booked at the Kosciusko County Jail on a $5,250 surety and cash bond.