A former banking executive accused of misconduct with a minor Seminole girl has been formally arraigned.

William R. “Billy” Norton, who faces charges of lewd or indecent acts or proposals to a child and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, was arraigned Thursday, Jan. 30 at the Pontotoc County Courthouse. The proceedings did not take place locally as former District Judge Timothy Olsen assigned the case to Judge Greg Pollard, who serves Pontotoc County. District Judge Brett Butner, who succeeded Olsen, recused himself from the case.

Norton was due before Pollard on Nov. 8 for a preliminary hearing, but no hearing was held as Norton waived his preliminary hearing rights. At Thursday’s arraignment, the case was assigned to District Judge Steven Kessinger. Norton’s next court appearance is scheduled for 1 p.m. on May 29.

The charges against Norton stemmed from an incident in April 2024, in which a 15-year-old female told police that she had been inappropriately touched by her friend’s father while she was visiting the Norton home. The girl told investigators that Norton had given them alcohol that tasted like “hand sanitizer.” She also alleged that Norton had touched her in places that were inappropriate, and it made her feel uncomfortable, according to an affidavit.

A warrant for Norton’s arrest was issued on April 18, 2024 and he was apprehended and booked into the Seminole County Jail the same day on a $50,000 bond.

Norton had been employed with First United Bank since October of 2016. He last served as President of the Seminole branch, and in June it was reported that he was no longer in the bank’s employ.