Lower bond sought for Gadsden man charged with sex crimes

Roy Dean Pruett

The attorney for a Gadsden man charged with five sex-related offenses argued during a hearing Monday that the man is entitled to a reasonable bond. Prosecutors, said Roy Dean Pruett’s release would have a “chilling effect” on their ongoing investigation.  After hearing from both sides, District Court Judge William Russell said he will issue a written ruling.  The 61 year old Pruett,  is charged with three counts of first-degree sexual abuse and two counts of first-degree sodomy. He is in the Etowah County Detention Center on cash bonds totaling $375,000.  He has a 40-year history of working with young people at various facilities, and at the time of his arrest worked at a boys ranch in Attalla.  Assistant District Attorney Carol Griffith said Monday that the state expects one additional charge to be brought against Pruett, and there could be others. She said investigators have information suggesting there could be incidents dating back to the 1970s, when Pruett worked with the Gulf Steel YMCA. She said there is evidence he continued to have contact with some of these boys after he knew the investigation was underway.

Griffith said this case involves a “defendant who had constant contact with a number of young men through his employment.”She said he faces five charges involving three boys, and the investigation is ongoing.