An elderly Salem man has been indicted as the state continues to build a case against him because police believe he has been sexually abusing children whom his wife has babysat over the years.
Ronald Libby, 73, of 2 Jill Road in Salem, was indicted this month on one count of attempted aggravated felonious sexual assault for alleged acts between September 2008 and July 2010.
The indictment alleges a pattern of sexually abusive behavior occurred during that timeframe, which is consistent with previous information released by the Salem Police Department.
Libby was arrested on an aggravated felonious sexual assault warrant on Aug. 22. Police said at the time that Libby was charged because a victim reported Libby attempted to get the victim "on numerous occasions" to "touch him inappropriately" in addition to attempting to "touch the victim inappropriately."
Police have also allegedly identified "several other potential minor victims" that they have said Libby may have abused "over the years."
The Eagle-Tribune has previously reported that Libby’s wife has cared for an "estimated 50 children over the past 20 to 30 years."
An indictment is not an indication of guilt or conviction; rather, it means a grand jury believed there was sufficient evidence to warrant a trial.
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