Former city resident gets 15 years for abusing girl

FLORENCE - A former city resident who pleaded guilty to trying to sexually abuse a 6-year-old girl has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Audrey O'Bryant Griffin, 55, who is originally from Florence but was staying in Knoxville at the time of his arrest, was originally indicted for first-degree sexual abuse, according to Lauderdale County District Attorney Chris Connolly. Griffin pleaded guilty to attempted sexual abuse.

Court records indicate the girl reported being sexually abused in January 2008, and Griffin was taken into custody in February at his residence in Knoxville.

"The victim is a young girl, and we were prepared to go to trial," Connolly said. "We're glad not to have to put her through the trial, though. We're pleased with the sentence and the fact that at the end of his sentence he will have to register as a sex offender."

Griffin was indicted during the January grand jury session. He is accused of inappropriately touching a 6-year-old girl who is a friend of Griffin's family.

Florence police detective Keith Johnson said Griffin and his family moved from the area after the incident occurred.

He said when the indictment was issued, police received information that Griffin was living in the Knoxville area. Florence detectives contacted Knoxville police and Griffin was taken into custody a short time later.

Reports indicate that the abuse took place when the child and her family were visiting Griffin and his family.

Authorities said the girl told detectives she was asleep on the couch when Griffin came into the living room and touched her inappropriately.

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