Editor’s note: Since this story was published, the charges against Larry J. Parrott have been dismissed with prejudice and his record has been expunged.

Four of the men arrested after a sex sting operation by the Boyle County Sheriff’s Department were in Boyle County Circuit Court on Tuesday.

Dequan Brown, 23 of Lebanon, waived a formal hearing and entered a not guilty plea before Judge Darren Peckler during the morning session; Shawn Williams, 39 of Springfield, and Hubert Carter, 52 of Ennis, Texas, did the same during the afternoon session. Richard Fransen, 38 of Louisville, was present for a status hearing. All were charged with class D felonies, on counts of unlawful use of electronic means to induce a minor to engage in sex or other prohibited activities: 

• Brown was indicted with two counts, bond set at $10,000. He remains in the Boyle County Detention Center.

• Fransen was indicted with one count and is out on bond. 

• Williams was indicted on two counts, bond at $10,000; he remains lodged in the Boyle County Detention Center.

• Carter was indicted on one count, and is out on bond. He will return on April 3 for a status hearing.

• Hardin was indicted on one count and  is out on bond. He will be arraigned on March 3.

Also upcoming:

• Michael Cruse, 46, of 102 Newbell Road #T6, Columbus, Missouri, has been indicted on one count and is out on bond. His arraignment is scheduled for 9 a.m. March 6.

Five others charged due to the sting were indicted on misdemeanors in December. They were all indicted pursuant to KRS 510.155, on counts of criminal attempt to commit unlawful transaction with a minor, and no court appearances are scheduled unless noted: 

• Joseph Brown, 49, of 119 Rolling Hills, Danville

• Fredrick Hilpp, 28, 501 Indian Creek Road, Lebanon

• Justin Jones, 40, of 496 Will Chancellor Road, Stanford

• Larry Parrott, 39, of 3263 Lawrenceburg Road, Willisburg. 

• Mark Shelton, 33, of 555 Fairgrounds Road, Stanford. He is scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. Feb. 13.