HAMPTON – A former Franklin county park ranger has reached a deal with prosecutors in a sexual abuse and incest case.
Joel Vinson, age 40, was a park ranger at Franklin County Conservation in Hampton. In February of 2015, he was charged with incest and third-degree sexual abuse by Hampton police. The alleged crimes took place in June of 2014. He was arrested once charges were finally brought in February of 2015.
Vinson soon entered a not guilty plea. After a number of lengthy court delays in the case, Vinson entered an Alford plea on June 20. An Alford plea mean Vinson doesn’t admit guilt, but admits the evidence in the case could get him convicted.
Vinson remains held in the Hardin county jail at this time. He will be sentenced on July 11.