Man charged with inappropriately touching teen girl

RUSSELLVILLE - A 79-year-old Franklin County man has been indicted for inappropriately touching a teenage girl.

Franklin County Courthouse officials said an indictment of first-degree sexual abuse has been issued against Hoyt Harold Prince, 2747 Duncan Creek Road, Russellville.

The indictment was issued during the recently concluded November session of the Franklin County grand jury.

Authorities said the girl was 14 when the reported incidents occurred. She is now 15.

The case was investigated by the Franklin County Department of Human Resources and the Franklin County Sheriff's Office.

Officials said Prince is accused of physically forcing the girl into situations where he touched her inappropriately.

Investigators said the touching incidents happened more than once.

The girl is a family acquaintance and the touching took place at Prince's house while the girl was staying with the family, according to reports.

Authorities said the investigation began in April after the girl told someone what was happening and the individual reported the incident to DHR. DHR officials then contacted the sheriff's department.

Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing said Prince is scheduled to be arraigned on the charge Jan. 7.

Rushing said the case could be placed on the trial docket for early 2010.

First-degree sexual abuse is a Class C felony punishable by one to 10 years in prison.

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