Cleotha Abston, Accused of Sexaully Assaulting a Woman in 2021, Found Guilty

Shelby County, TN - Today, Cleotha Abston, accused of sexually assaulting Alicia Franklin in 2021, was found guilty after a three-day trial.

The jury returned guilty verdicts on aggravated rape, aggravated kidnapping, and unlawful possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. During the trial, five witnesses provided testimony, including Abston's girlfriend at the time of the crime, who was also pregnant with his child.

Abston is also charged with first-degree murder, especially aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence in Eliza Fletcher’s death, which happened one year before Franklin's assault. Abston faces the death penalty in that case.

Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman handled this case along with ADA Brittany Neal.