Flora man charged with child molestation and exploitation
No public defender appointed
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Stringer

Phillip L. Stringer II, 30, of Flora was arrested July 4 on several counts of child molestation and child exploitation. He appeared in Carroll Circuit Court July 5 for an initial hearing and was formally charged with eight Class A felony counts, child molestation and one count of child exploitation, a Class C felony.

After listening to the defendant's testimony about assets, Judge Donald Currie did not appoint a public defender to represent him. Currie set bond at $500,000 surety and Stringer is to have no contact with the victim if he posts bond.

According to the probable cause affidavit signed by Carroll County Sheriff Detective Kevin Hammond, the department was notified July 4 of sexual misconduct allegations. The 13- year-old victim stated Stringer engaged in sexual acts with her

since age eight. She reported he also took photographs of her with his cellular telephone camera.

Stringer allegedly admitted to the allegations to Carroll County Detective Steve Mullin. The affidavit states, "when asked about specific time frames, Stringer stated that whatever (the victim) disclosed was probably correct."

Stringer signed a consent-tosearch form to allow Mullin to obtain evidence.

Aug. 15 status and Sept. 26 omnibus hearings are scheduled.