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Anthony Cloud

Staff Writer

Friday was day two of the William Wilder trial, who was charged with several counts of rape, sodomy and sexual abuse. The prosecution continued their case from the previous day.

P.C. Green was the first witness called by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Green is married to the victim's mother's first cousin. He was also present when the alleged altercation between the mother of alleged victims one and two and Wilder.

Green is also the individual that heard the male juvenile state that he could not believe Wilder committed the alleged acts. Green said the juvenile stated he knew Wilder committed the acts because he heard him and alleged victim one having sex. During testimony on Thursday, the male juvenile denied saying these things to Wilder.

During cross-examination, Green said he was about 10 feet away from the juvenile and Wilder during the night Wilder was confronted about the allegations. Green was told about the allegations the day of the confrontation.

During re-direct, Green said there was a lot of emotion that night and he could not see everything that was happening. He also mentioned he did not have knowledge of anything that went on behind closed doors in the home.

The key witnesses for the prosecution on Friday were the alleged victims (one and two). Alleged victim two was the first to testify.

Alleged victim two admitted that she viewed Wilder as a father figure. The alleged victim testified that Wilder performed several acts of sexual abuse on her. During a car ride with Wilder, he allegedly asked her if she ever did anything sexual with her boyfriend.

Wilder allegedly said if she ever wanted anyone to show her how to “do stuff the right way” to come to him and he would show her. Another instance mentioned by the alleged victim included a four-wheeler ride. The alleged victim was 14-years-old at the time. The alleged victim was driving the four-wheeler and Wilder was allegedly siting behind her.

Wilder allegedly then began rubbing her leg and attempted to make his way up to her pelvic area before the alleged victim moved his hand.

One of the final events occurred following a car wreck involving both alleged victims. Alleged victim two injured her foot and hip during the wreck and had to remain in bed in a nightgown.

One night, Wilder allegedly came into the room and laid down beside her. At this time, Wilder allegedly put his fingers between her legs and began touching her pelvic area. The alleged victim was 18-years-old at the time this event occurred.

During cross-examination, the alleged victim told defense attorney James Hodge that she never told anyone that she believed the accusations made by alleged victim three. She also stated Wilder had helped her to her potty-chair while she was bedridden and that she never told anyone that she felt uncomfortable with him at that time.

During re-direct, alleged victim two told Commonwealth Attorney Karen Greene Blondell that Wilder told her not to say anything to the authorities about alleged victim three’s allegations of sexual abuse. She also stated she felt embarrassed because of what happened, thus the reason why she waited so long to tell anyone.

The alleged victim said she was afraid no one would believe her about the allegations. She said she tried to stay away from home as much as possible following the alleged acts.

Alleged victim one took the stand following alleged victim two. She also said she viewed Wilder as a father figure and that the family depended on his income. The alleged victim stated the alleged sexual abuse and rape started when she was 10.

The alleged victim said that Wilder would allegedly come in during the night after everyone was asleep and take her to the laundry room to rape her. She said the alleged rape would happen in multiple areas in the house including her room, his room and the kitchen. Alleged acts of sodomy also occurred throughout the house.

Alleged victim one said the rape and sodomy would happen at least two to three times a week. She also alleged that it occurred on camping trips.

The alleged victim also admitted that she lied during an interview about the alleged sexual abuse. During the interview she said Wilder was the only person she had sex with. She later admitted that she also had intercourse with the male juvenile in the case.

During cross-examination, she told the defense that Wilder never threatened her to remain quite. Hodge continued to question the witness about the time of day when the alleged sexual abuse happened.

Alleged victim one mentioned that she lied to social workers on a separate occasion. During an interview about alleged victim three, she said she felt safe at home.

Alleged victim one mentioned she enjoyed doing different activities with Wilder and that alleged victim two did not have a close relationship with Wilder.

Following the commonwealth’s case, the defense opened their case. There were several individuals that were questioned by the defense involving Wilder’s work schedule while working for Bell County Coal. Those witnesses included Darryl Bailey, Craig Davis and Bruce Sanders.

Bailey testified that he was a supervisor for Wilder. Bailey said Wilder worked several different shifts while he was at Bell County Coal. While working under Bailey, Wilder worked day shifts. Bailey only knew Wilder from work. Davis testified that Wilder worked third shift when he was Wilder’s supervisor.

Sanders testimony was different from the previous two work-related witnesses. Sanders was friends with Wilder outside of work. Sanders said he and Wilder used to go four-wheeling together. Sanders also testified that when alleged victim one was around Wilder, she acted normal. He said the alleged victim did not seem angry with Wilder.

During cross-examination, Sanders told Blondell that he saw Wilder drink but never do any kind of drugs.

One key witness for the defense was a second biological daughter of Wilder (alleged victim three’s sister). The daughter stated she was very close to her father and loved spending time with him. She said her father never tried anything sexual with her or ever had a sexual conversations with her.

She admitted that her dad did drink alcohol during cross-examination.

Another important witness for the defense was Rachel Wilder, who is Wilder’s current wife. Rachel testified that her and alleged victim one have spoken several times. This contradicts statements made by alleged victim one earlier in the day. The alleged victim stated she never spoke with Rachel.

Rachel, who is the male juvenile’s mother, testified that she bought condoms for her son and alleged victim one to use. During cross-examination, Rachel said that her son was happy that her and Wilder were back to gather. The two had divorced in previous years before Wilder and the mother of alleged victims one and two married.

The Wilder trial will resume Tuesday morning. The Daily News will continue to cover the trial.

Anthony Cloud is a staff writer for the Middlesboro Daily News. He can be contacted via email at acloud@heartlandpublications.com.