Vina man charged with rape

By Staff
Melissa Cason
A Vina man was arrested and charged with first-degree rape Wednesday morning for allegedly forcing a 16-year-old female to have sex with him.
Franklin County Sheriff Larry Plott said Brian Keith Upton, 29, of 144 Franklin 4, Vina, was charged with first-degree rape and first-degree sexual abuse after he forced himself on a 16-year-old female acquaintance.
"Mr. Upton used physical force to make the victim have sex with him," Plott said.
The incident occurred within the last three years and the sexual abuse charges stem from inappropriate sexual touching by forcible compulsion.
According to the Alabama Criminal Code, there is no statue of limitations for first-degree rape, which is a Class A felony and punishable by 10 years to life in prison upon conviction.
Plott said Upton remains in the Franklin County Jail pending a $100,000 bond and a misdemeanor probation violation charge.