Authorities Issue Warrant In Sexual Battery Case

Authorities have issued a warrant for a 40-year-old man accused of sexual battery against a 17-year-old area female.

The alleged incident occurred early on June 17 in the Thonotosassa area. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Russell Dale Franklin was watching a movie with an unidentified female and the 17-year-old. The teen fell asleep, but was awakened by Franklin around 4 a.m. Franklin allegedly committed sexual battery and then left the residence.

Franklin’s address is listed as “at large.” He is described as 5-feet, 10-inches tall, weighing 200 pounds. He has a large build and wears long dreadlocks. He may be driving an older model, four-door Nissan Altima, either gray or aqua in color with chrome wheels, according to authorities.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477), report anonymously online at www.crimestopperstb.com, text "CSTB" and your tip to 274637 (CRIMES) or send a tip using the "Tipsubmit Mobile" application.