Grand jury to hear case of man accused of raping child

From: Jackson Sun, TN - Jun 6, 2003

By RACHAEL MYER
rmyer@jacksonsun.com

The case against a 19-year-old Gibson man accused of raping a young female relative will be sent before a grand jury, probably on Monday.

Brandon Thygesen, of Tenn. 186, is accused of raping his preschool-aged relative on May 9 in the bathroom of her home in Gadsden while her parents briefly left the house, according to an affidavit filed in Crockett County General Sessions Court.

Thygesen is charged with two counts of rape of a child, a Class A felony. He could receive 10 to 15 years in prison, if he is found guilty. If the grand jury indicts Thygesen on Monday, he will be arraigned on June 16. At the arraignment, he could say if he wants a trial or a plea bargain.

The victim will have to testify if the case goes to trial, said Penny Curtis, an investigator for the Crockett County Sheriff's Department.

Diane Blount from the public defender's office, who is handling the case, could not be reached for comment Thursday afternoon.

An interpreter has been involved in the case and was present at the preliminary hearing Thursday because Thygesen is deaf. He attended the School for the Deaf in Knoxville.

Thygesen posted a $10,000 bond last month.

Copyright 2003 The Jackson Sun