New rape charges stem from 1999 incident

A South Point man who previously pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to charges of rape and kidnapping was found competent to stand trial, as his evaluation was admitted Wednesday in the courtroom of Lawrence County Common Pleas Judge Andy Ballard.

Frank Thacker, 54, of 203 Township Road 1034, South Point, is facing three counts of rape, all first-degree felonies, one count of burglary, a second-degree felony, two counts of kidnapping, both second-degree felonies, and one count of abduction, a felony of the third-degree, in one case.

In a new case against Thacker, he is facing an additional three counts of rape, all first-degree felonies, one count of kidnapping, also a first-degree felony, and one count of abduction, a third-degree felony.

According to the indictment in the first case, all of the charges took place on or about Feb. 10, 2018, in Lawrence County, and all but the burglary charge specify that the crimes were committed against one victim.

In addition, each count of the indictment carries a firearm specification, alleging that Thacker had a firearm on or about his person or under his control while committing the offenses, and displayed the firearm, brandished the firearm, indicated he possessed the firearm, or used it to facilitate the crimes.

According to the indictment on the second case, all of the charges took place on or about Dec. 22, 1999, in Lawrence County, also with a single victim listed for each.

Ballard set bond at $1 million cash or surety and $1 million OR. Pretrial for both cases was set for June 27.