A man who claimed he was “just giving hugs” is behind bars after deputies say a woman and her mother accused him of repeated sexual contact inside their Lawrence County home.
Allegations of Repeated Touching
Deputies were called to a home after a woman reported disturbing behavior by her stepfather. She told officers he had been “putting his hands on her” over the past week — starting with shoulder rubs, then escalating to grabbing her backside, touching her inner thigh, and even trying to reach under her shirt.
The woman said she told him multiple times to stop, reminding him that she was engaged and that he was married to her mother. She said she wanted to press charges, describing at least three incidents that occurred recently.
Mother Confirms the Accusations
The victim’s mother told deputies she had seen similar behavior. She said her husband had been “very physical” with her daughter — grabbing her and even making a crude sexual remark after picking her up from out of state.
When she confronted him, she said the man became angry, and she decided to leave him for good, telling deputies that she and her daughter no longer felt safe in the home.
Suspect’s Arrest and Prior Record
Deputies found the man walking along a nearby road and detained him. After being read his rights, he told officers he only gave hugs and believed the accusations were tied to “a past history.”
A check of his record confirmed he had a prior 2004 conviction for gross sexual imposition. Deputies arrested him and transported him to the Lawrence County Jail, where he was charged with sexual imposition.
He appeared in Lawrence County Municipal Court, was assigned a public defender, and is scheduled to return to court on November 14th.
Takeaway Tip:
If someone makes you uncomfortable — even a family member — trust your instincts. Unwanted touching is not “just affection.” Report it immediately to law enforcement or call the RAINN hotline (1-800-656-4673) for confidential help.