Judge reduces bond for accused sex offender

Roy Dean Pruett

An Etowah county judge has reduced the bond for  an Etowah County man facing sexual abuse charges despite concerns from prosecutors that his release from jail might prevent other possible victims from coming forward.  61 year old Roy Dean Pruett, is charged with three counts of first-degree sexual abuse and two counts of sodomy. Initially, Pruett was held on a cash bond that totalled $375,000. After hearing arguments last Monday, Etowah County District Court Judge William Russell issued an order Friday reducing that amount to a $125,000 surety bond, with a number of conditions. Pruett was released on bond Friday afternoon.  Deputy District Attorney Carol Griffith told the judge that prosecutors know of one additional victim likely to bring charges against Pruett, and that prosecutors have information indicating there may be more victims. She said evidence in other cases could go to a grand jury before charges are filed.  She argued that Pruett’s release would have a “chilling effect” on other victims coming forward.  At the time of his arrest, Pruett worked at a boys ranch in Attalla. He had a 40-year career of working with young people. Griffith said during the hearing Monday that prosecutors are investigating the possibility of incidents of abuse dating to the 1970s.