Bauxite man found guilty of molestation

A Bauxite man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually molesting his teen-age stepdaughter.

A Saline County Circuit Court jury found Charles "Red" Owens guilty of second-degree sexual assault for actions through several years.

Circuit Judge Grisham Phillips followed the jury's sentencing recommendation, including a $15,000 fine.

"The verdict represents some measure of justice to this girl and sends a message that this behavior will not be tolerated by Saline County juries," said Prosecuting Attorney Ken Casady.

Attorney Pat Marshall of Little Rock represented Owens. Prosecutors were Rebecca Bush and Carrie Robertson.

Owens' trial was the 19th Saline County jury trial this year.