Judge and D.A. Strengthen Protections for Local Victim of Lewd Photo Scandal

SAN ANGELO, TX — District Judge Jay Weatherby strengthened protections for the minor victim of an alleged malicious topless photo scandal during a bond hearing Monday.

49-year-old Corby Chitsey of Wall has been indicted on one count of possession of child pornography.  He is accused of posing as a friend of the underaged victim on snapchat and coercing her to send him a topless photo of her which he allegedly shared on social media with her friends.

According to testimony at Monday’s bond hearing, Chitsey allegedly attended functions at locations in violation of the conditions of his bond.  Because of those alleged violations, assistant District Attorney Jason Ferguson requested the court increase his bond and modify its terms and have Chitsey taken into custody and ordered to pay a new bond.

Testimony showed that Chitsey signed an indictment which said he was not to go within 1,000 ft. of a public school or any school function.  His bond was worded differently which Chitsey and his attorney Kirk Hawkins believed allowed him to attend functions where the victim was not likely to attend.

Ferguson introduced two photographs which showed Chitsey at school functions in Dec. 2018 where the victim was present.  Chitsey testified he left as soon as he became aware of the victim’s presence. Testimony showed the victim and those in attendance were uncomfortable with Chitsey there.

At the end of the hour long hearing, Judge Weatherby ordered that the bond wording be clarified to read that Chitsey not attend any public school function or go within 1,000 ft of the victim or any school property where children under 17 are likely to gather.

Judge Weatherby told Chitsey that he was innocent until proven guilty but he should’ve known not to attend the events because of wording in the indictment Chitsey signed. Weatherby said, “I do not want to hear about this again. There is zero tolerance.”

Chitsey has a jury trial scheduled for March 18, 2019.

San Angelo Live doesn’t identify underaged victims or victims of alleged crimes of this nature.  We have not identified other participants in this court proceeding or additional circumstances and details of testimony in an effort to continue to protect the identity of the victim.