Man arrested for sexual abuse

By Staff
Jason Houston FCT Managing Editor
Russellville police arrested a local man Friday on sexual abuse charges.
Lt. Scotty Lowery said Gayleard E. Hacker, 67, of Bohannon Road in Russellville, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree sexual abuse. The charges are Class C felonies, each punishable by 1-10 years in prison upon conviction.
Sexual abuse occurs, according to the Alabama Criminal Code when a person subjects a person less than 12 years old to sexual contact.
Hacker was indicted on both charges by a recent session of the Franklin County Grand Jury.
Lowery said the case stems from an investigation done earlier this year. He said the case involves allegations of Hacker sexually abusing a 3-year old female and a separate case of Hacker having sexual contact with another female.
A family member of the victim brought the alleged abuse to the attention of law enforcement agents, Lowery said.
After the investigation was complete, the evidence was presented to the grand jury and the indictments returned.
Lowery and Capt. David Hester assisted Department of Human Resources officials during the course of the investigation.
The case will be placed on an upcoming trial docket.
Hacker was being held at press time in the Franklin County Jail on bond totaling $20,000.
His bond was set at a hearing Friday.