Man and grandmother charged in holding of girl
A complaint was filed in Yuma Justice Court on Monday against the 18-year-old Yuma man who allegedly held a juvenile female hostage in his grandmother's home for 68 days and repeatedly sexually assaulted her.
Manuel Swayze, who is a convicted sex offender, was informed by Justice of the Peace Pro Greg Stuart that he was being charged with a single felony count of custodial interference. He was originally arrested on three felony counts of sexual conduct with a minor and one felony count of kidnapping.
Swayze's grandmother, Ramona Swayze, was also only charged with a single felony count of custodial interference. She was originally being held on one felony kidnap charge and one felony charge for hindering prosecution.
The Swayzes were both arraigned in Yuma Justice Court on Monday afternoon. Their next court appearance has been set for Friday, July 23 at 4 p.m.
The father of the female victim spoke briefly during each of their hearings, each time asking the court not to lower either of the Swayze's bond amounts. The judge didn't, ordering Manuel's bond remain at $515,000 and Ramona's at $75,000 — both are cash bonds.
Both Swayzes also asked the judge for court-appointed attorneys, which the court granted.
Acting on a tip on Wednesday, officers with the Yuma Police Department found the 15-year-old female at a residence located at 3845 W. 3rd Place in Yuma. A police report about the girl had been filed on May 14 alleging she had run away.
According to YPD, the parents of the girl, who was 14 at the time she disappeared, called them on Wednesday stating the female was at the residence.
Police said, based on the phone call, they had reasonable suspicion to believe Manuel Swayze was keeping the girl against her will at that location and was having sexual contact with her.
Ramona Swayze was allegedly aware of the female being held and assisted in keeping the child against her will, police said.
Both Swayzes were arrested at the residence. Considering the age and the nature of the alleged crimes, the Yuma Sun is not identifying the victim.
James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854.
