Franklin County Deputy Fired Amid Rape Indictment

Charles Davis, a 50-year-old deputy from the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, was fired after being indicted on 58 counts, including 32 counts of rape and 26 counts of gross sexual imposition. The allegations involve sexual conduct with a victim under the age of 13, occurring between March 2020 and October 2022. Sheriff Dallas Baldwin stated that the severity of the charges necessitated Davis's termination, which followed nearly a year on administrative leave amid the investigation. Davis has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on August 26. His defense attorney criticized the firing as a 'travesty' based on unproven allegations. The sheriff's office has not disclosed whether the offenses occurred while Davis was on duty.