Negotiations continue toward a possible plea deal for the man accused of sexually abusing a girl on a church bus on Easter Sunday in 2019, but a trial date has been set in case those attempts are unfruitful.
Attorney Sands Chewning represents Tyler Frances and told Judge John Atkins Wednesday morning that he and Commonwealth’s Attorney Rick Boling are close to coming to an agreement on a deal.
Judge John Atkins set trial for July 19 and 20—knowing other trials are scheduled on those same dates with the hope that one or both will be resolved before then.
Investigation by Hopkinsville police led to the first-degree sexual abuse charge after the alleged victim said Frances ripped off her underwear and inappropriately touched her while both were riding the church bus. Frances has pled not guilty in the case.