Dec 11, 2023

Kansas man accused of rape held on $500,000 bond

Posted Dec 11, 2023 11:04 PM
 Wertenberger-photo Ellis Co.
Wertenberger-photo Ellis Co.

ELLIS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on sex crime allegations.

On Nov. 16, the Ellis Police Department was made aware of a possible rape that occurred within the city limits of Ellis, according to a media release. An officer with the Wamego Police Department relayed information to the Ellis Police Department concerning a juvenile that disclosed allegations of multiple instances of being sexually assaulted.

Officers worked diligently to set up a forensic interview with the victim. After receiving a copy of the forensic interview’s recording, Ellis Police Department Officers interviewed a suspect, Caleb Wertenberger, 31, of Ellis.

After the completion of the interview, Wertenberger was arrested and transported to the Ellis County Jail, where he is being held on requested charges of four counts of rape, aggravated indecent liberties with a child, indecent liberties with a child, aggravated indecent solicitation of a child, and felony interference with law enforcement.

On Monday, Wertenberger had his bond set at $500,000.