A Rio man accused of sexually abusing two minors made his initial appearance in Knox County Court today via video.
Seventy-nine-year-old Clifford L. Franks had a warrant issued and was arrested on Friday.
Bond was set at $200,000.
Assistant State’s Attorney Sabrina Stroops today read that Franks allegedly penetrated a female approximately 9 years old with in a two year span dating from September 2013 to July 2015.
That charge is predatory criminal sexual assault, a class X felony that carries between 6 and 60 years if convicted.
In a second charge, this one aggravated criminal sexual abuse, Franks is accused of putting his hand on the “clothed breasts” of another minor approximately 9 years old.
Franks indicated he intended hiring private attorney Phillip Steele of Alpha.
Judge Stephen Mathers also ordered Franks to not have contact with any child under the age of 18.
Franks’ next court date is set for 9 a.m. Friday.
