Avery Smith
Chief of Police, Ellis Police Department
On Nov. 16, the Ellis Police Department was made aware of a possible rape that occurred within the city limits of Ellis. 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. Wertenberger is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law. The victim, now a survivor, will not have their name released. No further details will be released at this time, as investigation is still ongoing.
The Ellis Police Department would like to thank the Wamego Police Department and the Stepping Stones Child Advocacy Center in Manhattan, for their assistance with this case.