A man registered as a sex offender in Illinois is in police custody after being indicted on numerous sexual abuse charges involving a Florence case, authorities said.
James Lee Smith, 28, has been living in Florence at 345 Sweetwater Avenue, according to Florence police. He was arrested Friday afternoon after being indicted on charges of first-degree rape, first-degree sexual abuse and first-degree sodomy.
Authorities said Smith is accused of having a sexual encounter with a 5-year-old girl.
The rape and sodomy charges are both Class A felonies and punishable by 10 years to life in prison on each count, if convicted. The sexual abuse charge is a Class C felony and carries a punishment of 1-10 years in prison if Smith is convicted.
Courthouse officials said Smith was indicted during the September grand jury session in Lauderdale County.
Law enforcement reports indicate the incidents happened while the child, who is from another state, was visiting Florence. The incidents reportedly took place between October last year and March.
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