Soddy-Daisy man accused of groping 12-year-old girl selling items for school fundraiser

Thursday, September 15, 2011

photo Manning Brooks Mahaffee, 67, faces a charge of aggravated sexual battery after he reportedly grabbed a girl.

A 67-year-old man faces charges of simple assault and aggravated sexual battery after being accused of grabbing a 12-year-old girl's breasts, according to Hamilton County Sheriff's Office arrest report.

Manning Brooks Mahaffee Sr. has posted a $15,000 bond. His court date is set for Sept. 19 before General Sessions Court Judge Clarence Shattuck.

He declined to comment when reached by phone at his residence today.

The girl was selling items for a school fundraiser Wednesday when she knocked on Mahafee's door at 10155 Bear Trail in Soddy-Daisy, according to an incident report. He said he only had a $100 bill and she would have to get him change, the report said. The girl took the $100 and started to go other homes when he called her back.

Mahaffee reportedly grabbed the girl's arm and breasts after she stepped inside his home, according to the report. When she tried to leave, he tried to pull her back in, according to a statement issued by Janice Atkinson, sheriff's office spokeswoman.

When Mahaffee was interviewed by police, he said he didn't mean to grab the girl or hurt her, according to the arrest report.