Columbus man facing seven felony sex charges makes first appearance in Recorder’s Court

A 41-year old man charged with multiple sex crime charges waived his preliminary hearing in Recorder’s Court Friday.

Horace Kersellius was scheduled to have his initial hearing on Dec. 30, 2019, but it was postponed until Jan. 10. Kersellius was arrested on Dec. 27 and faces charges of felony sodomy, statutory rape, three counts of felony computer pornography child exploitation, and two counts of felony computer or electronic pornography and child exploitation prevention, detectives said in court.

Ralston Jarrett, Kersellius’ defense attorney, did not provide many details about his client or the case. However, he said the public is quick to judge a suspect in a case involving minors.

“I know the public is really sensitive about the elderly and minors but he’ll definitely have his day in court and until then, he is innocent until proven guilty,” Jarrett said.

Judge Julius Hunter issued a $20,000 bond for each count. If Kersellius does post bond, he is ordered to have no contact with the victim or his son. He is also prohibited from Internet usage of any kind and cannot visit Spencer High School.

Police did not provide additional detail in court regarding the Spencer High School ban.