Middlesboro man charged with criminal abuse back in court Monday

From WRIL -

Larry Lawson - BCDC

A Middlesboro man accused of criminal abuse of his grandchildren will be back in circuit court Monday for a motion hour.

On March 16, 2018, 71 year old Larry Lawson was arrested after an investigation was initiated by Middlesboro Officer Joel Quillen for allegedly abusing his three grandchildren and having a gun as a convicted felon.

Lawson had been away from the home for a previous issue in regard to the children which required their counseling. The counselor contacted Officer Quillen to make the report after hearing the accusations from the children.

Through Officer Quillen’s investigation and after corroborating statements from those involved it was determined there was prolonged abuse by Lawson. During the investigation the children told Officer Quillen and social services that Lawson also had a gun in the home. Quillen states that he retrieved a .22 caliber Magnum revolver and ammunition from the residence. Through a criminal history check the officer also determined that Lawson had a previous felony conviction.

Lawson was then arrest and lodged in the Bell County Detention Center charged with possession of a handgun by a convicted felon and three charges of criminal abuse 1st degree – child 12 or under. He was released on bond on April 9th of last year.