Tennessee man to face 1999 rape charge

John E. Jerdon Jr. was extradited to Delaware County for case involving Chesco woman

A 52-year-old Tennessee man was extradited to Delaware County to face sexual assault charges dating back to 1999 when he was a resident of Upland, Upland Police Chief Michael K. Irey announced Wednesday.

John E. Jerdon Jr., of Rogersville, Tenn., was arrested Dec. 28, 2016, by the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office. He was returned to Delaware County Tuesday. Also Tuesday, he was preliminarily arraigned on charges including aggravated indecent as- sault and indecent assault involving an individual less than 16 years of age, indecent exposure, corruption of minors and unlawful contact with a minor that involved sexual offenses, according to online court records.

Jerdon, who was initially remanded to the county prison, was freed Jan. 11 after posting bail, which was set at 10 percent of $10,000. A preliminary hearing is listed for Jan. 20 be- fore Magisterial District Judge C. Walter McCray III.

According to Irey, Upland police in August received information from Caln Township authorities in Chester County regarding a sexual assault that occurred in Upland in 1999. As a result, Upland Detective Anthony Deluise contacted the victim, a Chester County woman.

During an inter v iew, the woman recounted numerous occasions when she was alone with Jerdon, described as a family friend and neighbor in Upland.

“The victim reported that during these occasions when she was alone with Jerdon, he would repeatedly kiss the woman on the mouth and inappropriately touch the genitals of the victim,” a release issued by Upland police states.

Jerdon is being represented by attorney Christopher Hemmell of Springfield.