Man charged over incident at Larned Pool

LARNED – A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for a 34-year-old Great Bend man on a sex crimes charge related to a recent incident at the Larned municipal pool.

Pawnee County Prosecutor Douglas McNett reported Wednesday that Avian Rincones, 34, of Great Bend, appeared before Pawnee County Judge Julie Cowell earlier that day for an initial hearing on a criminal charge of three counts of aggravated sex crimes. Rincones had voluntarily turned himself in to the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office earlier that day after his legal guardian was notified that charges had been filed and a no-bail warrant had been issued.

The charges include two counts of aggravated oral sodomy on a child under 14 years of age and two counts of aggravated sexual conduct with a child under 14 years of age.

The charges stem from a Larned Police investigation into an incident reported on July 11 at the Larned Municipal Pool.

Rincones was questioned on site, but due to concerns about his mental capacity, he was not arrested.

Agencies assisting in the investigation included PCSO, Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Child Advocacy Center.

On Wednesday, Judge Cowell informed Rincones of the charges, the potential penalties if convicted and his constitutional rights, including his right to counsel. Due to the age of the alleged victim, Rincones faces a sentence of 25 years to life in prison if convicted under the sentencing provisions of Jessica’s Law. He would also have to register as a sex offender under the Kansas Offender Registration Act. Rincones’ legal guardians told the court they intend to retain private counsel.

After his initial appearance, the court released Rincones to his legal guardians on supervised bail and under standard conditions of reporting and house arrest.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 7.