Man faces 400 counts of sexual assault

March 20, 2008 10:55 pm

— Bond was set at $12 million for a Summersville man who is facing 400 counts of first-degree sexual assault by a parent, guardian or custodian.
Howard H. Neil, 70, of 147 Euclid Drive, was taken to Central Regional Jail following his arrest Monday.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled this morning in magistrate court, but Nicholas County Prosecutor Mark Hudnall said Thursday it was unlikely the hearing would proceed because Neil had not retained an attorney.
The alleged assaults occurred over the course of four years, 1998 to 2002, when the child was between the ages of 7 and 12.
Hudnall said the investigation is continuing.
Sheriff’s deputies arrested Neil on Monday because it was believed he posed a flight risk, Hudnall said.
The investigating officer Deputy Vicki Rains.
— Bill Billeter