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Child abuse case dismissed

Herald and News - 1/12/2018

A Klamath Falls man arrested in 2015 for the sexual abuse of a young female relative has had his case dismissed after the victim could not be located for trial.

Paul Lee French, 43, had charges dismissed Wednesday including eight counts of first-degree sexual abuse, four counts each of first-degree unlawful sexual penetration and first-degree sodomy, and one count of incest.

Prosecutors said, in their motion to dismiss, the victim “has fled the state and cannot be located.”

French was arrested Nov. 20, 2015, for crimes starting in December of 2013 when he allegedly forced sexual contact on the victim multiple times. The alleged abuse began when the victim was 10.

While in custody, French attempted suicide at least twice, prompting a psychological evaluation to determine his fitness for trial. Psychological reports field in May and August of 2016 indicated the case could proceed.

He was subsequently released from custody May 9, 2017, with orders to comply with mental health treatment.

French was scheduled for trial Jan. 24 and faced at least 25 years in prison due to the age of the victim.

Paul French