Man faces sex charges in '90 attack

laUDERDALE COUNTY - A former Lauderdale County resident and Limestone County teacher has been indicted on sex charges stemming from allegations involving an incident in 1990, state officials said Friday.

Brian Keith McGuire, 48, of Jackson, turned himself in to authorities Friday morning, according to a news release posted by Alabama Attorney General Troy King's office.

McGuire is charged with first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy and first-degree sexual assault, authorities said.

They said the woman who reported the assault was 19 when she said the incident occurred in December 1990.

King said prosecutors from his office presented the case to the recently concluded Lauderdale County grand jury at the request of the local district attorney's office because of a potential conflict of interest.

"No matter how many years have passed, victims will always deserve that the crimes against them not be forgotten, but are punished," King stated in the release. "I am determined to pursue justice on their behalf and to bring a measure of peace and comfort to those who have suffered for too long."

Authorities said McGuire turned himself in at the Lauderdale County Detention Center, was booked and then released on bail totaling $125,000.

McGuire is being represented by Florence attorney Jeff Austin. He said his client "adamantly denies the accusations."

"He was not allowed to present his side of the story to the grand jury, and we look forward to presenting his case to a jury," Austin said.

First-degree rape and first-degree sodomy are both Class A felonies. If convicted, McGuire would face a maximum penalty of 20 years to life imprisonment and a fine of up to $20,000 for each charge. The charge of first-degree sexual assault is a Class C felony and carries a punishment of one to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000, if convicted.

King said the case was investigated by Florence police and members of his office.

Authorities said the victim reported the case to Florence police in 2006.

Officials said the assault reportedly occurred at a Florence residence.

Tom Smith can be reached at 740-5757 or tom.smith@TimesDaily.com.