WAFF.com: North Alabama News, Radar, Weather, Sports and Jobs-Franklin county man accused of enticing a child

Franklin county man accused of enticing a child

By Josh Ault  bio|e-mail

PHIL CAMPBELL, AL (WAFF)-  A Franklin County man is behind bars accused of enticing a young child to come into his apartment.  Investigators say without the quick action of neighbors, the incident could have been much worse.

The incident happened Monday at the Campbell Arms Apartments.  Sergeant Terrell Potter, with the Phil Campbell Police Department, says an 8 year-old girl entered 45-year-old John Wayne Vickery's apartment through a second story window.

"The defendant coached her to climb up a wall in the back side of the building," said Potter.

According to the police the victim used a cable wire to pull her self up. 

"One of the neighbors heard a disturbance around back, and went around to check out what the disturbance was," said Potter, "Saw the little girl's feet hanging out the window."

The neighbor immediately started calling the girl's name, and before long she came through the door of the apartment.

"I guess we'll be a little untrusting with anybody that comes in," said Carolyn Hodge, who manages the apartment complex.

Hodge says she is grateful others were watching out for the child.

"Words can't say enough," said Hodge, "About how they helped."

Vickery was charged with 2 felonies, enticing a child and interfering with child custody.  Investigators say Vickery hugged and kissed the girl inappropriately.

"You need to be very vigilant," added Potter, "Know what your children are doing, where they're at."

Vickery's bond was set at $40,000.  If convicted of this crime, there is a possibility he will have to register as a sex offender.

©2009 WAFF. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.