Suspects indicted on abuse, rape charges

By Staff
Melissa Dozier-Cason, FCT Writer
A Franklin County Grand jury indicted two suspects on abuse charges, and two on rape related charges.
Miguel Tellez Garcia, 19, of Lot 6 of Town and Country Trailer Park, Russellville, was indicted for attempted rape, first degree. A 19-year-old woman reported in September that Garcia tried to force her to have sex with her at his residence after he gave her a ride home from Colbert County, authorities said.
"Garcia was arrested the same night the woman made her statement," Sheriff Larry Plott said.
In an unrelated case, Bradley Shane Thomas, of Russellville, was indicted on rape, second degree.
Thomas allegedly had a consensual relationship with a teen-aged girl, Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett said.
"This was a case of a consensual relationship," Russellville Police said. "The girl's father found out about the relationship, and filed charges."
Jeffrey Pendergraph, 50, of Red Bay, was indicted on charges of Sexual Abuse, first. Pendergraph is accused of inappropriately touching a seven-year-old girl.
He was arrested and charged on Sept. 28, Pat Creel, Red Bay Police Chief, said.
All defendants will be trial on the criminal court docket.