On Friday, Franklin Police asked for the public’s help to identify the man in this video. He was wanted after sexually groping a 14-year-old in the men’s restroom at the AMC Thoroughbred 20 Cinema. That man is now behind bars.  

Charged with the Class-E Felony of Sexual Battery, 27-year-old Gabriel Ward, of Columbia, is being held in the Williamson County Jail, on the $20,000 bond set by the Magistrate. Ward is a convicted felon. He was out of custody and on probation when he assaulted the teen. 

During their tireless investigation, Franklin Detectives used information from citizen tips to help lead to Ward’s identification. 

“No one, especially one of our community’s kids, should be assaulted the way this teen was,” said Lt. Charlie Warner. “The victim, his parents, and our team are all relieved by the suspect’s quick identification and arrest. We’re beyond thankful for an engaged community who played a big part in helping to make that happen.”

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