Once a candidate for Montezuma County sheriff, William “Bill” Conner faces allegations that he molested two underage relatives.
Conner, 55, of Cortez, was arrested and jailed on Friday, Oct. 16. A seven-page arrest warrant filed three days earlier alleges that Conner molested two minors six years ago. Potential charges include three felony counts of child sex assault.
According to the arrest warrant, a 16-year-old girl told a social worker during an hourlong interview in 2014 that Conner, her uncle, sexually assaulted her when she was 11. The girl, now 17, claimed that several assaults occurred, including twice in a pasture and twice inside Conner’s home.
Days later, a niece with cognitive disabilities told a social worker during an hourlong interview that she too was sexually assaulted by Conner. Secured as evidence, a journal from the now 21-year-old woman reveals a wish to go back to when she was 14, so she could “tell Bill no,” that they should wait until she turned 18.
According to court documents, Conner spoke with investigators in April. He denied any wrongdoing, telling authorities that both girls were untruthful. He declined to take a polygraph exam regarding the allegations.
The arrest warrant also discloses a similar claim against Conner in 2013. In that incident, Conner was alleged to have assaulted a minor boy related to the current victims. This week, a relative of the alleged victims’ told The Journal that the earlier case was closed after Conner passed a polygraph test.
Montezuma County employment records show that Conner served as a deputy, lieutenant and even undersheriff between 1986 and 2006.
In 2005, Conner was passed over by county commissioners to replace Sheriff Joey Chavez, who resigned from office. Chavez had recommended Conner as his successor.
Conner subsequently left law enforcement after a failed election campaign in 2006 against Sheriff Gerald Wallace. Conner campaigned as “the only clear choice” as the county’s top lawman.
Since, Conner has worked as a truck driver, mechanic and substitute school bus driver, a relative confirmed.
Jail records show that Conner posted a $30,000 bond on Tuesday. He remains under GPS surveillance, according to court records.
At an initial appearance in Montezuma County Court on Monday, a protection order was issued, barring Conner from contact with the alleged victims. He’s also prohibited from possessing firearms.
Conner is set to return to Montezuma County Court for filing of charges on Oct. 28.
