Two Martins Ferry men - neighbors only doors apart - have been arrested in a matter of days, each accused of felony sex crimes against children.
William F. Myers, 73, of 1815 Hill St., was held today in the Belmont County Jail following his arrest Tuesday on a charge of gross sexual imposition against a 4-year-old girl. A relative reportedly caught Myers touching the little girl at his apartment where he eventually was arrested. The child was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Myers' apartment neighbors the home of Quentin N. Phillips, 32, who was arrested Saturday at the Martins Ferry Public Library. A library staff member told police Phillips was viewing child pornography on a library computer. Martins Ferry Police Chief Barry Carpenter said Tuesday that Phillips confessed to the rape of a young boy after being taken into custody. Officers recovered a flashdrive, a digital camera, a disposable camera, a camcorder, videos and nude photos from Phillips' home. The alleged victim in the case against Phillips was with him at the time of his arrest.
Myers is being held in the Belmont County Jail on a $10,000 bond on a charge of gross sexual imposition.
He was expected to appear today in Northern Division Court.