BishopAccountability.org
	Trial Set for Accused Child Abuser By Patrick Mccreless The Cullman Times August 6, 2008 http://www.cullmantimes.com/local/local_story_218224921.html A convicted sex offender and former local church piano player is scheduled to stand trial in Cullman County next month for the alleged sexual abuse of a child. According to court records, Michael Likos, 34 of Gadsden is scheduled for trial on Sept. 8 in Cullman County Circuit Court with Judge Frank Brunner presiding. A Cullman County grand jury indicted Likos in April for sexual abuse in the first degree. Cullman County Sheriff’s reports indicate the victim was a 7-year-old-girl. According to sheriff’s reports the alleged incident, which occurred at a Cullman residence, was reported on March 12 but took place in June 2006. Reports also state the alleged incident occurred while Likos was traveling from Gadsden to the Seventh Street Baptist Church to play piano on Sundays. The Etowah County Sheriff’s Department had Likos listed as a registered sex offender in Gadsden at the time he worked for Seventh Street Baptist. Rev. Kerry Cleghorn of Seventh Street Baptist previously said Likos was dismissed from his job in March after the sex abuse allegations were made. Since the alleged crime took place in 2006, Likos cannot be charged with sexual abuse of a child under 12-years-old, which was enacted in 2007 and carries a harsher penalty than sexual abuse in the first degree. Likos’ defense attorney could not be reached for comment by deadline. Sexual abuse in the first degree is a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Contact: PATRICKM@CULLMANTIMES.COM
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.