Proceedings against Gardner couple for sex crimes against children continue

GARDNER, Kansas (KCTV) – The case against a Gardner couple continues as the couple is accused of sex crimes against a child.

Records from the Johnson County District Court in Kansas show that Ricky, 59, and Diana Cook, 57, of Gardner, appeared before Judge Timothy P. McCarthy on Wednesday, August 21, in connection with a child sex crimes case.

The Cooks are each charged with one count of aggravated sexual assault of a child and one count of sexual exploitation of a child.

According to court documents, the couple was accused of inappropriately groping or touching a child, who was about 8 years old at the time, and forcing the child to engage in sexually explicit activities.

Charges were first brought in May 2024 when the couple were arrested.

Both Cooks appeared with their defense on Wednesday. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 9 at 11 a.m.

Since Wednesday, Ricky has been behind bars on $750,000 bail, while Diana remains under house arrest after posting $150,000 bail.

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