City man indicted on sex abuse charges

A Russellville man accused of sexually abusing a 16-year-old female was indicted by the September grand jury, officials said.

Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing said Travis Ray King, 54, 48 Chesley St., Russellville, was indicted for first-degree sexual abuse.

According to Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett, the victim was a family acquaintance.

Hargett said the incident reportedly occurred on March 10 when the female victim was visiting King’s home.

According to statements, King is accused of fondling the girl and then offering her alcohol, which she refused.

Hargett said the victim sent her father a text message on her cell phone after the incident occurred and asked him to pick her up because she felt unsafe.

Once her father picked her up from King’s residence, Hargett said the victim told her father what had happened and he brought her to the Russellville Police Department to file a report.

Hargett said the case was turned over to investigators who obtained warrants for King’s arrest after consulting the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office.

King was taken into custody on March 25 without incident.

King was released from custody on a $50,000 bond.

Rushing said King’s case would be set for arraignment on October 29.