Chitwood Waives Preliminary Hearing In Child Sex Abuse Case

Huntsville, TN (2011-11-16) The Winfield man accused of molesting several young female children under the age of 10 has waived his right to a preliminary hearing in Scott County General Sessions Court. He is expected to enter into a plea agreement in Scott County Criminal Court in early December.

Mark Wayne Chitwood, 51, of Winfield appeared briefly in Scott County General Sessions Court on Wednesday; however, his case was never heard in open court. Instead, Chitwood and his court-appointed attorney Dale Potter agreed to waive his right to a preliminary hearing on child sex abuse charges.

While details weren’t released, Chitwood may have agreed to a state-offered plea deal. Chitwood is scheduled to appear in Scott County Criminal Court on Monday, December 5, 2011 to face the charges.

Chitwood is accused of having inappropriate sexual contact with at least four female victims, most, if not all, under the age of 10. He has been charged with eight counts of aggravated sexual battery, two counts of the solicitation of a minor and unlawful photographing in violation of privacy.