Deputy DA Paul Hagerman Issues Statement After Cleotha Abston Receives 80-Year Sentence

“We've been committed to justice for Alicia Franklin and Liza Fletcher since the awful crimes against them.  

After a trial last month, Cleotha Abston was convicted of the Aggravated Rape and Kidnapping of Alicia Franklin.  Today, my office asked for, and he received an 80-year maximum sentence with no possibility of parole.      

His violent history and these crimes demand sentences that ensure he'll get out of prison, ever.  This sentence alone ensures that—but we are not done.  The Fletcher case is now set for report on June 17th.  

Violent crime remains the focus of this office. The way these particular cases shook this community, and instilled fear warranted severe punishment. People who would break the law must know that we will do what it takes to bring them to justice and protect the community.”

Cleotha Abston is charged with kidnapping and raping Alicia Franklin in 2021. He is also charged with the alleged kidnapping and death of Eliza Fletcher in 2022.