Sheriff's detective held over for trial in molestation

Colusa County sheriff's Det. Jeff Fortis was held over for trial on sexual assault charges following a preliminary hearing in Superior Court on Wednesday.

Fortis is facing one felony count of sexual penetration of a minor and a misdemeanor count of child molestation, court records state.

The reported victim in the case is a teenager from Colusa.

Judge Jeffrey Thompson heard evidence and arguments from both sides then ruled that enough evidence existed for Fortis to be held to answer to the charges.

He will be arraigned on Oct. 17.

However, the county has continually refused to confirm anything but that Fortis was removed from his duties since the summer of 2011.

The county has declined to report the precise date of his leave and whether he has been paid during the absence.

Fortis was hired on Sept. 7, 2006, according to the county Personnel Department.