Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that an Ocean View man, 43 year-old John Lee Franks was charged with three offenses involving the sexual assault of a minor which occurred between November 2021 and February of 2022. This marks the second time this week that an individual was charged by Prosecutors with offenses related to the sexual assault of a minor.
As the Complaint alleges, Franks is charged with two counts of Sexual Assault in the First Degree and a single count of Continuous Sexual Assault of a Minor Under the Age of Fourteen Years. Sexual Assault in the First Degree and Continuous Sexual Assault of a Minor Under the Age of Fourteen Years are both class A felony offenses and carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Franks is scheduled to make his initial appearance on Thursday in Kona District Court. He remains in custody in lieu of $150,000 bail.
The lead investigator was Detective Kevin Brodie, Area II Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai’i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kate Perazich.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, please go to a safe place, and call a trusted friend or relative for support. You can call 911 to report the sexual assault to the police. The YWCA Hawai’i Island 24-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline has advocates available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support and advocacy. They can be reached at (808) 935-0677.
The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.