Kentucky Firefighter Says He's Not Guilty of Sexual Abuse

Nov. 15, 2004
An eastern Kentucky firefighter says he's not guilty of sexual abuse with an underage girl.
Lechter, KY -- An eastern Kentucky firefighter says he's not guilty of sexual abuse with an underage girl.

Letcher Fire Chief Hayston Roark was arraigned Friday in District Court.

Police say the charges stem from two encounters Roark had with the girl this time last year.

Hayston Roark appeared in Letcher County District Court Friday on two counts of third degree sexual abuse.

Police say the 60-year old fire chief forced the girl to have sex with him on two different occassions last November.

For the past several years, Roark has served as the fire chief of the Letcher Volunteer Fire Department.

Those who know Roark say they are surprised by the news but declined to comment on camera.

Roark is free on bail from the Letcher County Jail.

A pre-trial date has been set for November 30th.

Fire officials say they will hold a meeting next Tuesday to decide if any disciplinary action will be taken.

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