Marion County Attorney Susan Robson filed a charge against Rojelio “Roy” Cruz Hernandez Friday in connection to the October disappearance of a Lehigh teenager.
Hernandez is charged with one count of misdemeanor battery. He appeared in court Monday morning.
Tara Simhiser, 17, was reported missing Oct. 13. Hernadez was suspected in her disappearance.
After an Amber Alert was issued, Simhiser was recognized Oct. 15 at a bank in Hiawatha. Hernandez was found waiting in a car nearby and arrested.
He was sentenced Nov. 25 in Brown County on charges of contributing to a child’s misconduct and driving on a suspended license. He was sentenced to 18 months incarceration, but the sentence was suspended and he was given 12 months probation in Brown County.
He was awaiting transport to Texas to face other charges, but Robson prevented his transportation so he could face the charge in Marion County. He currently is in Marion County Jail.
His arraignment is scheduled for 9:45 a.m. Jan. 25. He will enter a plea at that time.