A judge has ruled against a motion to dismiss the charges filed against a Sugar Grove man accused of inappropriately touching a 10-year-old girl.

Ronald K. McKendree, 37, of Sugar Grove was charged in July by Youngsville police officers with two counts of third-degree felony corruption of minors – defendant age 18 or above, two counts of third-degree felony indecent assault of a person less than 13 years of age and two misdemeanor counts of indecent assault person less than 13 years of age. . The incidents allegedly took place Sunday in Youngsville, according to online court docket information. The charge of indecent assault of a person less than 13 years of age involves a specific pattern of conduct or touching of intimate body parts.

McKendree pleaded not guilty to the charges at formal arraignment in August 2025. In September, the Warren County Public Defender’s office made a motion for a competency hearing that was granted by Judge Maureen Skerda, now retired. In November, Judge Gregory Hammond granted an order for a continuation in the case as well as approving the defense attorney’s request to pause the “speedy trial” clock, which typically requires trial within 365 days or shorter, to give more time to prepare a case.

The county Public Defender’s Office then filed a motion for a neuropsychological examination in late November that was granted by Skerda. Another speedy trial waiver was requested and granted Jan. 23 by Judge Todd Woodin. In February, the county Public Defender’s Office filed a motion to dismiss the charges and release McKendree from the Warren County Prison, where he has been on $50,000 bail since July. A hearing on the motion was heard March 24 in front of Judge Woodin, who denied the motion to dismiss the charges and release McKendree from jail on March 25.

According to the Affidavit of Probable Cause, a mother reported to Youngsville police officers that her 10-year-old daughter alleged a family friend who had been coming to their home recently had touched the girl inappropriately.

“The date of the allegations weren’t specific, however McKendree has only been living in the area for the past couple of months and only recently have they come over to the residence within the last two weeks,” the affidavit states. “After I collected the minimal facts, I contacted CHILDLINE and reported it in order to have a forensic interview set up with the victim.”

The girl detailed the behavior with interviewers Tuesday at the Warren County Children’s Advocacy Center, saying the inappropriate behavior took place at her family’s home in Youngsville. McKendree went to the Youngsville Police Department for an interview. He was read his Miranda rights, according to the affidavit, and agreed to speak to officers without an attorney present. According to the affidavit, McKendree admitted touching the girl inappropriately at least twice – one at the girl’s home and the other in a vehicle while picking up the girl’s uncle.