Ocean View Man Accused of Sex Assault Involving a Minor

An Ocean View man made his initial appearance today in Kona District Court on charges relating to the alleged sexual assault of a minor.

Forty-three-year-old John Lee Franks is facing three offenses, which reportedly occurred between November 2021 and February of 2022. This marks the second time this week that an individual was charged by prosecutors with offenses related to the sexual assault of a minor.

As the complaint alleges, Franks is charged with two counts of first-degree sexual assault and one count of continuous sexual assault of a minor under the age of 14. Both offenses are Class A felonies and carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

According to an email from the prosecutor’s office, the court granted Franks’ request for a bail reduction, despite prosecutors’ objection, reducing his bail to $50,000 from the original amount of $150,000.

The court also ordered Franks to appear for a preliminary hearing at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18.