The suspect accused of sexual abuse against a juvenile on a church bus in April was arraigned Wednesday morning in Christian Circuit Court.
Attorney Sands Chewning entered a not guilty plea to the charge of first-degree sexual abuse on behalf of 28-year old Tyler Frances of Hopkinsville.
Investigation by Hopkinsville police led to the charge after the alleged victim said Frances ripped off her underwear and inappropriately touched her private areas while both were riding the bus on Easter morning. Frances was not an employee or affiliated with the church.
A pre-trial conference was set for August 14 and Judge Atkins encouraged all parties involved to determine by then if the case can be resolved or if a trial date will be needed.