Manhattan man faces trial for child sex crimes

Jury selection begins for 26-year-old charged with aggravated sodomy and indecent liberties

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A 26-year-old Manhattan man, Joseph Ray Marlow, is facing trial in Riley County District Court for two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy of a child under 14 and two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child under 14. The charges involve a child born in 2019, and Marlow pleaded not guilty to all counts in July after his arrest in March.

Why it matters

Child sex abuse cases are among the most serious and disturbing crimes, with long-lasting impacts on victims. This trial will test the strength of the evidence and allegations against the defendant, while also highlighting the need for vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable children in the community.

The details

Jury selection began on Tuesday for Marlow's trial in Riley County District Court. He is charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy and two counts of aggravated indecent liberties, all involving a child born in 2019. Marlow pleaded not guilty to the charges in July after his arrest in March.

  • Jury selection for the trial began on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Marlow was arrested in March 2026 for the alleged crimes.
  • Marlow pleaded not guilty to all counts in July 2026.

The players

Joseph Ray Marlow

A 26-year-old Manhattan resident charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy of a child under 14 and two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child under 14.

Trey Bryant

The chief public defender representing Marlow, who previously filed a motion to reduce Marlow's $50,000 bond, which was denied by the judge.

Judge John Bosch

The judge presiding over Marlow's trial in Riley County District Court.

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What’s next

The judge will preside over the trial and determine Marlow's guilt or innocence based on the evidence presented.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical need for thorough investigations, strong evidence, and fair trials in child sex abuse cases to ensure justice is served and vulnerable children are protected.