A Russellville man is behind bars after allegations surfaced this week that he sexually abused two sisters when they were children.

John Donald Smith, 63, Ridgecrest Apartments, Apt. B3, Russellville, was arrested on five counts of first-degree sodomy and 10 counts of first-degree sexual abuse, Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver said.

According to Oliver, the two now-adult victims were family acquaintances when the abuse occurred.

Oliver said the victims said Smith allegedly threatened them with a gun and said he would kill their mother and their family if they ever told anyone about the abuse.

“The victims had recently gotten to a point to where they hadn’t seen Smith for some time and they just felt like it was time for them to come forward,” Oliver said.

The abuse reportedly took place when the victims were between the ages of four and 14.

Oliver said during one incident, one of the victims said Smith held a gun to her head while her undressed her and sexually abused her.

“They were obviously very frightened of him, but we’re glad they have come forward so that they can receive justice for what happened,” Oliver said. “Hopefully they can start to move forward from here.”

Smith is still in custody at the Franklin County Jail on a $500,000 bond.