Teen testifies 'Uncle Frank' molested her
WEST PALM BEACH-It was an emotional day in a West Palm Beach courtroom Wednesday, as a young woman took the witness stand and accused a man of molesting her. Franklin King, at one time a band booster at a Palm Beach Gardens middle school, is on trial for improper sexual contact with a minor.
"I had a really good relationship with him," the young woman, now 18, told jurors. "I called him 'Uncle Frank.'"
She said King befriended her and her father, while they were staying at a homeless shelter. King was doing repair work there.
The young woman said she was just 11 then, and soon after they met, King started taking her to lunch. She said King talked about sex and inappropriately touched her. The young woman said the sex talk and sexual activity continued over several years. She said King also sent her nude pictures of himself.
Late Wednesday afternoon, King took the witness stand in his own defense. He said he treated the girl, as if she were one of his own. And although King acknowledged touching the girl, he said he did so in a playful manner.
The trial is expected to conclude Thursday. If convicted as charged, King potentially faces life in prison.
