Police accuse Franklin man of molesting girl

From staff reports

A Franklin man is facing charges of molesting a girl, now 13, for two years.

Kenneth Urey, 76, would fondle the girl from the time she was 11 years old when he was babysitting her, according to a criminal complaint filed by Sugarcreek police.

On Sept. 25, after police spoke with Urey during the investigation, he went to the child’s home and was told he was not allowed to speak with her, the complaint said.

Afterward, Urey tried on numerous occasions to contact the girl, including sitting on the step of the house and leaving a handwritten note in the mailbox for her mother, the complaint said.

Urey has been charged with felony counts of indecent assault person less than 13 years of age, intimidating witness/victim and endangering the welfare of children, as well as a misdemeanor count of stalking-repeatedly communicating to cause fear and two misdemeanor counts of harassment- communicate repeatedly in another manner.

He was arraigned Monday before District Judge Patrick Lowrey and placed in Venango County jail with bail denied since he would not refrain from contacting the girl, the complaint said.

His preliminary hearing is scheduled at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 14 before Lowrey.