Gleason man charged with sexual battery by an authority figure

Story by Shannon Taylor, Senior Investigative Reporter

On March 27 Investigator Kyle Watkins with the Gleason Police Department was dispatched to an address in Gleason regarding a juvenile victim.

Upon arrival and speaking with the 13-year-old girl, she stated that in Nov.-Dec. of 2022 while she was asleep in her bed, that 33-year-old John R. Austin of Gleason, the child’s biological father, sexually molested her while her mother was at work.

On April 4, the victim contacted Austin via phone while Watkins recorded, and Austin stated that he did touch her because he loved her and was trying to teach her.

Austin has been charged with Sexual Battery by an Authority Figure which is a Class C felony and carries a penalty of 3-15 years and fines of up to $10,000.

Austin’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 19 at 8:30 am in front of General Sessions Judge Tommy Moore. He is represented by Attorney Jason Jackson.

DISCLOSER: Information obtained came from the Gleason Police Department affidavit provided by Investigator Kyle Watkins.