Man indicted on rape, sexual abuse charges

By Tom Smith
Senior Staff Writer

FRANKLIN COUNTY
Last Updated:January 31. 2008 10:48PM
Published: February 01. 2008 3:30AM

A Russellville man has been indicted on rape and sexual abuse charges.

Franklin County sheriff's officials said 38-year-old Alvaro Vargas, 38, of 203 Califas Road, has been charged with first-degree rape, first-degree sexual abuse and second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument.

Vargas is accused of sexually attacking a 12-year-old girl who was a family friend.

Franklin County Sheriff Larry Plott said Vargas was arrested Aug. 22 after the department conducted an investigation into the allegations.

Vargas was indicted during the January grand jury session.

First-degree rape is a Class A felony punishable by 10 years to life in prison if convicted. First-degree sexual abuse and second-degree possession of a forged instrument are both Class C felonies and carry the punishment of one to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Investigators said the abuse had apparently been going on for some time. The girl was 11 when the reported assaults took place, officials said.

Plott said his office became involved after investigators were contacted by the Franklin County Department of Human Resources.

After locating Vargas' residence, deputies set up surveillance for more than six hours before he came home and was taken into custody.

Authorities said once in custody, it was determined that Vargas was an illegal alien.

Department officials said Vargas, who apparently has been in the U.S. illegally for 26 years and in the Russellville area for the past six years, presented investigators with a false Social Security card.

Vargas is being held in the Franklin County Jail on bail totaling $157,500 and is also being held for U.S. Immigration officials.

Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing said Vargas is scheduled to be arraigned later this month and could be placed on the April trial docket.

Tom Smith can be reached at 740-5757 or tom.smith@timesdaily.com.

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