ASHLAND – Former Ohio Highway Patrol Trooper Tyler Anderson has waived his right to a preliminary hearing, a proceeding in which the judge would review evidence to determine whether there is enough evidence for the defendant to stand trial.
Anderson’s move sends the case against him straight to a grand jury to review for possible indictment.
Anderson, 44, had been assigned to the Ashland Post of Ohio Highway Patrol until he was arrested last week on a charge of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material. Anderson allegedly used a spy camera to videotape a 17-year-old female in his home in 2016, according to Ashland County Prosecutor Chris Tunnell.
Appearing for an arraignment Thursday before Ashland County Common Pleas magistrate Paul Lange, Anderson entered a plea of not guilty to the charge, which is a second-degree felony. The plea was entered through Anderson’s attorney, Robert Whitney.
In addition to waiving his right to a preliminary hearing, Anderson also waived his right to a speedy trial.
Anderson was released from jail on a personal recognizance bond Tuesday, but the magistrate ordered the defendant not to have any unsupervised contact with minors while the case is pending.
On Thursday, the magistrate added an order requiring Anderson to relinquish all firearms to the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office. Anderson told the magistrate he owns three firearms and said he would turn them over to law enforcement.
Anderson’s next court appearance, which once again will be held via Skype, is set for 1 p.m. Oct. 18.
