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WILKES-BARRE — Less than one year after withdrawing his guilty plea, a Larksville man has once again admitted to sexually assaulting pre-teen girls during sleepovers at his house.
Francis Parsons, 45, of East Fourth Street, pleaded guilty Tuesday in Luzerne County Court to one count each of aggravated indecent assault of a child, indecent assault of a person less than 13-years of age, indecent exposure and corruption of minors, according to court papers.
Charges arose in 2013 when four girls told police separately that Parsons exposed himself or molested them while they slept or watched movies during sleepovers at his house. Police say the incidents occurred over a period of several months.
He first admitted to the crimes in February 2014, but withdrew the plea in May.
The man must register with state police as a sex offender for the rest of his life, court documents indicate.
Parsons is to have no contact with public parks, playgrounds, libraries, schools or school activities. He is also to have no contact with the victims and no unsupervised contact with minors.
He was remanded following Tuesday’s hearing.
Judge Joseph F. Sklarosky Jr. scheduled Parsons to be sentenced on July 9.
According to a police affidavit:
• An 11-year-old told police she was awakened when Parsons exposed himself to her. Despite pleas to be left alone, Parsons returned to the bedroom several times that night, the girl told police.
• On one occasion, a 12-year-old said she felt Parsons lying next to her, touching her inappropriately as she slept on a bedroom floor. On another occasion, she said she woke up as Parsons touched her, then he jumped up and ran out of the room.
• Another 12-year-old girl said Parsons exposed himself to her while she was sitting on a couch, watching a movie, telling the girl to be quiet because his daughter was in the same room.
• A third 12-year-old told police she was awakened by Parsons lying next to her and rubbing her thigh, and she rolled over to get away from him.