Duo face forcible sodomy charges

From staff reports
Published: April 4, 2008

Two men were arrested in Madison County recently on sex charges in unrelated cases.

Fifty-six-year-old Wolftown resident Donald Wayne Merritt was arrested March 4 in connection with a forcible sodomy charge, according to a Madison County Sheriff’s Office news release.

“[Merritt] took sexual advantages with a person with mental incompetency,” Sheriff Erik Weaver said, adding that the incident occurred on or about Feb. 25.

He said the victim was an adult male.

If convicted of the unclassified felony charge, the Wolftown resident could face five to 20 years in prison.

In an unrelated incident, 29-year-old Jason A. Dyer, who authorities say is originally from Madison County although he has no fixed address, was arrested March 23 on a forcible sodomy charge, according to Weaver.

On or about March 22, Dyer had “unwanted sex” with an adult female, according to the sheriff. If convicted of the unclassified felony, Dyer could face five to 20 years in prison, he said.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office has requested that anyone with information about these cases or any other incidents that involved these individuals to call the sheriff’s office at (540) 948-5161. Those with information may request confidentiality if desired, according to the MCSO press release.

Merritt and Dyer remain in custody at Central Virginia Regional Jail in Orange at press time.