Marion Foster Parent Charged with Sexual Assault

MARION-- A Williamson County man and foster parent is arrested-- accused of sexual assault.

Police say Mark Ashby had sex with two girls under the age of 17.

According to the Department of Children and Family Services, Mark Ashby and his wife had been licensed foster parents since September of 2006.

Ashby is charged with four counts of Criminal Sexual Assault and one count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault. Police allege that he beat one of the victims while having sex with her.

Since 2006, Ashby has been a licensed foster parent.

"Five foster children had been placed in this home over the years" says DCFS Spokesman Kendall Marlowe. "Foster children were removed from his home on June 27th 2008 and no new children were placed after that date."

News 3 went by Ashby's home in Marion where his wife met us at the door. She did not want to speak on camera but told us she believes her husband is innocent and will be proven so. She also had some harsh words for DCFS, which worked with police on this investigation.

According to the organization, to become a foster parent all applicants must undergo a background check.

"There are a long list of criminal offenses which are a bar to receiving a foster parent license" says Marlowe.

That list includes violent crimes and crimes involving children.

When asked if Mark Ashby met the criteria, Marlowe said "By definition, someone cannot become a licensed foster parent without meeting the requirements."

Mark Ashby is being held at the Williamson County jail on $200,000 bond.

Police do not believe there are other victims, but the investigation is ongoing.

By: Jackie McPherson

jmcpherson@wsiltv.com