SILVER LAKE - A man once trusted as Silver Lake's village president and a police officer is now accused of sexually assaulting two boys over the course of several years.
Ronald Wieland, 71, sat chewing on a toothpick in court on Wednesday. He declined to speak to TODAY'S TMJ4 after his preliminary hearing.
"No comment, please," Wieland said.
Two teenage boys claim Wieland gave them marijuana and whiskey at his home last week. One of the boys says Wieland then took him to his bedroom and molested him. Police say they have found another teenage boy who claims Wieland sexually assaulted him countless times between the ages of 7 and 12.
"Based on our investigation so far, I think it's very possible this could date several years back," said Chief Daniel Kingsley of the Silver Lake Police Department.
Wieland was a village president and police officer in the 70s and 80s. Neighbor Dawn Fergen says true or not, the allegations have been a wake-up call for parents.
"I have three younger boys, so I've already talked with them about being more aware of their surroundings, and keeping an eye out," Fergen said.
The Silver Lake Police Department believes there may be additional victims. They are asking anyone with information to contact them immediately.
If convicted, Wieland could face a maximum of 80 years behind bars.
