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Indiana man arrested in 1987 sex assault of 2 children in Rhode Island

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Posted at 8:55 AM, Nov 18, 2022
and last updated 2022-11-18 08:55:06-05

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Police in Rhode Island say DNA evidence and the use of forensic genealogy has led to an arrest in a 35-year-old sexual assault case.

Authorities say 66-year-old Frank Thies was arrested last month in Indiana and faces charges of sexual assault and molestation.

The victims were aged 11 and 13 in 1987 when they were assaulted after being forced into the woods at knifepoint.

Physical evidence tied to the attacker was recovered, but it wasn't until recent developments in genetic forensics that investigators could identify a suspect and make an arrest.

Thies was arraigned Thursday in Rhode Island after being extradited from Indiana.