Man, 70, indicted for sexual abuse

RUSSELLVILLE - A 70-year-old disabled Franklin County man has been indicted for inappropriately touching a girl after making her lie in the bed with him, authorities said Wednesday.

Franklin County court officials said the indictment against Edward Frances Richard, 1199 Franklin 77, Russellville, was issued during the recent grand jury session.

Authorities said Richard, who uses a wheelchair because of a disability, is charged with enticing a child for immoral purposes, a Class C felony, and five counts of sexual abuse of a child under 12 years old, a Class B felony.

Authorities said the girl, who is a family acquaintance, was 11 when the incidents reportedly occurred. Investigators said the girl reported that she was inappropriately touched on numerous occasions while visiting Richard's home.

She told investigators that it occurred for three or four months before she reported the incidents.

Jerry Groce, director of the Franklin County Department of Human Resources, said his department began the investigation and then contacted the Franklin County Sheriff's Office.

Richard was arrested in May after a joint investigation.

"This shows that any age individual can be a victim and any age individual can be an alleged perpetrator," Groce said earlier.

He said DHR officials began the investigation after a teacher notified them of the girl's accusations.

Authorities say the girl told investigators she was forced to lie in Richard's hospital bed with him while he touched her.

District Attorney Joey Rushing said the case is scheduled for arraignment Jan. 6.

"The case could be placed on a trial docket early next year," Rushing said.

A person convicted of enticing a child for immoral purposes faces a sentence of 1-10 years in prison, while sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12 carries a penalty of 2-20 years in prison.

Richard is out of jail on $25,000 bail.

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