Douglas Wayne Ward - Threatened his victims

The former manager of the Budget Lodge on I-35 and Rundberg in Austin has been indicted by the Travis County Grand Jury on charges stemming from allegations he sexually molested two boys.

Douglas Wayne Ward's attorney, Bill Hines, says his client will plead ‘not guilty’ to the charges, which include aggravated sexual assault and sexual performance of a child, indecency with a child and retaliation. The retaliation charge stems from police reports that Ward allegedly showed the 10 and 12-year-old boys pictures of other boys who appeared to be wounded and bloody. According to the alleged victims, Ward told them the images depicted what he has done and would do to anyone who "snitched" on him.

Hines was in Judge Charles Baird's court today for his ruling on an examination trial which would have helped speed up the indictment process. He was also requesting a form of protective custody for his Ward, who he says has faced threats from other inmates at the Travis County Jail. Judge Baird granted Hines request that Ward be placed in solitary confinement away from other inmates.

Hines also tells KLBJ the families of the boys have filed a civil suit against the Budget Lodge. The June 22nd assaults reportedly happened at the hotel.