Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 1, 1995                   TAG: 9503010059
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: SARAH HUNTLEY
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

ROANOKE COUNTY MAN GUILTY OF MOLESTING GIRLS

Gary Ray Blankenship of 2895 Creekside Drive pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated sexual battery.

He was arrested in September after a 13-year-old girl told a school counselor that Blankenship had fondled her and attempted to perform intercourse while she was visiting his home. A second victim, 11, came forward during the investigation.

Blankenship told Circuit Judge Roy B. Willett that he did touch the girls, but denied that he tried to have sex with them.

He acknowledged his guilt as a part of a plea agreement. In exchange for his plea, prosecutors did not pursue two additional charges: one count of attempted rape and one count of attempted carnal knowledge.

Blankenship is to be sentenced April 11.