Terry Farnsworth
We're talking about 52-year-old Terry Farnsworth of West Point. He's been running for Constable in that area.
But after these new allegations, a family member who spoke with Today's THV off camera, says Farnsworth will no longer seek the job.
"I mean he was a normal, average guy," Donald Short said.
It's a simple recollection of Terry Farnsworth from Donald Short, the Chief of the West Point Volunteer Fire Department. He worked with Farnsworth on the squad up until about three years ago.
"He's always been a good citizen, upstanding for the fire department, a big help for the fire department," Short said.
But now he's struggling to believe his dedicated firefighter and Constable candidate for Dogwood Township faces charges of sexual assault of a juvenile.
"I can't believe what's been said about it, don't know what's going on," Short said.
"They got out there, did their investigation, spoke to him here and came up with the charge of sexual assault in the first degree," said White County Corporal Steve Hernandez.
Hernandez says detectives responded to a West Point home early Saturday morning. He wouldn't say exactly where in town, or discuss the connection between Farnsworth and the victim.
But reports indicate this was a one-time incident.
"Until it goes to court, while this investigation is still pending, it is very sensitive, not only for the case itself but for the victim as well," Hernandez said.
Along with firefighting, Short says Farnsworth is also a former constable in this area. And says he seemed like a good family man too.
"I know he's got kids and grandkids that live here. He's always been good with them," Scott said.
With kids of his own, Short hates to think of such disturbing allegations, striking his home-town.
"I hope it's not true, I really do," Short said.
Despite the praise from the fire chief, most other neighbors speaking with Today's THV off-camera, said they either didn't know Farnsworth or rarely saw him around town. Some told us he often worked out of state on construction projects.
Authorities say Farnsworth was able to bond out of jail after his arrest. But a problem with his bonding company sent him back to jail Monday afternoon. His bond is set at $50,000.