KINGSLAND, Ga. – A U.S. Navy sailor faces multiple felony charges involving sexual abuse of children following his return from deployment, according to the Kingsland Police Department.
Michael Fransen, 26, was arrested Sunday and charged with two counts of aggravated child molestation and two counts of aggravated forcible sodomy involving children under age 10, Kingsland police said.
The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison up to life behind bars in Georgia.
Kingsland Police Department began investigating Fransen in early spring after parents of two small children reported suspected sexual abuse. Investigators said Fransen is not related to the children but was known to their parents.
Both children underwent separate forensic interviews. According to the arrest report, one parent observed bruising on one of the children that appeared consistent with sexual abuse.
Police waited for Fransen’s return from naval deployment before questioning him.
“These are capital crimes. Capital sexual battery crimes, so it doesn’t get any worse than what I just read,” Tom Hackney, News4JAX Crime and Safety Analyst.
Hackney emphasized the importance of parents discussing safety with their children.
“If any good comes from us talking about this today, it may be that parents sit down with their kids and, when the time is right, have that conversation about these threats and stranger danger,” Hackney said. “Sometimes the threat comes from within, and you have to be aware of that.”
Fransen remains in the Camden County jail without bond. Naval officials have not responded to inquiries about his duty station.
