• 41°
franklin county times

City man acquitted of sex abuse charges

By Staff
Melissa Cason
A Russellville man was found not guilty of sexual abuse Thursday after a three-day trial.
The state began their case against David Wayne James, 49, of 2000 Waterloo Road in Russellville, Monday with Colbert County Circuit Judge Hal Houghston presiding over the case in the absence of Judge Terry Dempsey, who recused himself from the case.
James was accused to fondling two young girls in 2005.
The jury heard testimony in the case through Wednesday, and closing arguments were held Thursday.
After deliberating for one hour, the jury rendered a not guilty verdict on each of the charges.
Defense Attorney Rod Slusher said the jury's decision was based on the facts of the case and the not-guilty verdict was expected.
James said even though he has been cleared of all criminal charges, the case is not over for him.
"I'm not done," James said. "I have filed a lawsuit against [the victims' mother] for slandering my good name, and I am going to continue my efforts until those people who need to be are held responsible for their actions."
James said that charges were brought against him simply because the victims' mother became angry with him after their relationship broke up.
"Too many innocent people are being charged with this type of crime in Franklin County," James said.
"We offered evidence to the jury that I was a victim of a fatal attraction, and when I stopped the relationship, I was targeted with these charges in order to ruin me."
"Now that I'm a free man, I can do something to expose the sour underbelly of this issue, and pursue proper remedies both in civil and criminal court for what has been done to me."
During trial testimony, the victims recanted their allegation that James had touched them inappropriately.
James' lawsuit against the victim's mother for slander was filed in circuit court on Feb. 19, 2006.
James said while the ordeal was difficult for him, he found support from a number of different people.
"I found out just how many friends and supporters I had," James said.
Assistant District Attorney Doug Evans, who tried the case, said the District Attorney's Office denies the allegations that he was targeted by these charges.
"These types of cases are always difficult, but we thank the jury for their consideration of the evidence," Evans said.

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Veteran Spotlight – Mousey Brown

News

Russellville First Baptist Church receives historical marker

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Meeting a higher standard – Russellville High School JROTC

News

RCS BOE announces new superintendent  

News

Miss Dream Girl Pageant names winners

Franklin County

First Metro Bank hosts FAME Girls’ Ranch donation drive

News

PCHS holds annual Shelby Grissom Memorial Fashion Show

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: VFW Post 5184 – ‘No One Does More For Veterans’

Features

Supporting students’ futures

Features

Red Bay Garden Club discusses amaryllis planting

Franklin County

UA announces local students for fall 2023 President’s, Dean’s, graduation lists

News

School news

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Veteran Spotlight – Troy Oliver

Franklin County

Appropriations bill passes, allots more than $3 million for new Russellville library/multipurpose center 

Franklin County

Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association names Cattleman of the Year 

Franklin County

Franklin County votes: Unofficial March 5 primary election results 

Franklin County

Funding for new Russellville library, multipurpose community center expected this week

Features

Faces of Franklin County: BTCPA

News

GFWC Russellville Book Lovers Club sponsors downtown art crawl

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Veteran Spotlight – Cody Bragwell

Franklin County

42nd annual Miss RHS pageant names winners 

News

Miss RHS pageant takes place Friday

Franklin County

Political announcement: David Hester speaks about run for reelection as county commissioner

Franklin County

BTCPA auditions for final production of season take place March 3-4 

x