JOHNSON COUNTY, Ind. — A former Franklin, Ind. resident was convicted of child molesting by a Johnson County Jury on Wednesday. According to the Johnson County Prosecutor's Office, 51-year-old Mark LaPlante of Grant, Ala. (previously of Franklin) was convicted on two counts of child molesting, one being a Level 1 Felony and the other a Level 4 Felony. Mark LaPlante booking photo (JCPO) The JCPO said the investigation into LaPlante began in February 2022, when LaPlante was reported to have sexually abused a child from 2019 to 2022. However, the sex crimes prosecutor did not file charges at that time. JCPO then added that charges against LaPlante were filed in late 2022 when a new deputy prosecutor was appointed. “It takes a tremendous amount of courage and strength for a child to not only tell what is happening but also to face their abuser in court and describe such heinous acts they endured," said Johnson County Deputy Prosecutor Bridget Foust. "Without such bravery, we would not be able to hold those that hurt children accountable and stop them from hurting anyone else.” Mirroring this statement, Johnson County Prosecutor Lance Hammer stated he was "...very proud of the Franklin Police Department" — as well as his team's dedication and the victim's bravery — for LaParte's conviction. "This deviant will be facing a maximum of 52 years when he is sentenced," Hammer continued. "There is nothing more despicable than a person who molests children. The only way to deal with them is to put them away in a cage for decades where they can’t hurt any more children. This is how we protect our kids.” LaPlante's sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 7 at 1:30 p.m.