Franklin man sentenced to 30 years for child molesting

FRANKLIN, Ind. – A Franklin man who sexually abused children over a six-year period learned his punishment this week.

A judge sentenced Mark Bray, 52, to 30 years in prison. The sentence includes 10 years on probation and requires Bray to register as a sex offender for life.

Prosecutors said Bray molested multiple children during a six-year period in Edinburgh and Greenwood. He initially faced four counts of child molesting and one count of sexual misconduct with a minor.

The abuse happened between 2011 and 2017, according to court records. The Johnson County Prosecutor’s Office filed charges against him in June 2022 after the allegations came to light.

“I am so very proud of our child victims when they step forward and report these horrific experiences so that this won’t happen to another child,” said Deputy Prosecutor Brianna Acker. “It’s hard to comprehend the level of courage this takes.”

Bray pleaded guilty to two counts of child molesting in May 2024. His sentencing hearing was Tuesday.

Johnson County Prosecutor Lance Hamner said Bray’s sentence sends a strong message.

“Molesting a child is depraved and despicable,” Hamner said. “When Mr. Bray gets out of prison, he will be an old man. I hope we’re sending a message to other sickos: when you prey on helpless children you will spend decades in a 10×10 steel cage, eating nothing but prison food. Don’t even think about it.”

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