A confrontation involving a group of juveniles at Weston Cemetery in Wood County, Ohio, has resulted in criminal charges against multiple adults, according to law enforcement and court records.
The incident happened July 10 at Weston Cemetery on Van Tassel Road. Authorities say several children were involved in a physical fight, and investigators later accused adults at the scene of helping facilitate the confrontation rather than stopping it.
Rachel Bell Ankney, 41, of Weston, is accused of encouraging children to fight and failing to properly intervene. She faces charges of endangering children and contributing to the unruliness or delinquency of a child. Ankney has pleaded not guilty.
Dustin Willmarth, 34, of Bowling Green, is facing charges of endangering children and felonious assault. Investigators allege he brought his son and his girlfriend’s son to the cemetery for the fight. Both boys were reportedly injured during the confrontation.
According to investigators, Willmarth also became involved in the physical altercation. A witness reported seeing him strike and kick several juveniles who were at the cemetery.
Police say the situation escalated further when Willmarth attempted to leave the cemetery in his vehicle. Investigators allege that he struck a 13-year-old boy with the car, causing minor injuries.
The incident was captured on video, according to investigators. Police said the footage shows a large group of juveniles and adults involved in the fight and also includes the alleged vehicle strike.
At least two teenagers received medical treatment following the incident and were released from the hospital the same day, according to the latest local reporting. Earlier court information indicated that at least one child was transported by ambulance after the fight.
Three additional adults — Makayla Swank, Cruzito Garcia and Jessica Dennis — have also been charged with disorderly conduct in connection with the case. All five adults charged in the case have pleaded not guilty.
Willmarth appeared in court Sept. 1, when a judge set his bond at $30,000. He is scheduled to return to court Sept. 22.
Authorities have not publicly established what started the fight among the juveniles. The full extent of the injuries and all circumstances surrounding the confrontation remain part of the ongoing case.
The allegations against the adults have not been proven in court, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty.
