Man charged with sex crimes

A Franklin County man is in jail after being accused of subjecting a teen girl to rape and sodomy on multiple occasions over a two years period, officials said.

Investigators with the Franklin County Sheriff’s office said Michael Douglas Lingelbach, 42, of Franklin 81, Phil Campbell, is charged with first-degree sodomy of a child, attempted first-degree sodomy, attempted first-degree rape and first-degree sexual abuse.

Authorities said the arrest was made Monday night after law enforcement officials were notified of someone threatening to kill themselves at Lingelbach’s residence.

Upon arrival, authorities said sheriff’s office deputies determined that the victim’s mother had confronted Lingelbach after being told by her daughter of the incidents and that is when he began making threats to end his life.

Investigators said they were informed by the now 17-year old girl that the incidents happened on four separate occasions with each time being at separate spots in the county.

Lingelbach knew the teen through her father who was a mutual acquaintance, officials said.

Lingelbach is currently being held in the Franklin County Jail without bail.