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Former Radio Announcer On Trial For Sex Charges Against Minors

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Ethan Hess
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, N.C. — A former radio news broadcaster was making news himself Wednesday.

Cumberland County detectives say Ethan Hess, 58, is on trial for one of the county's largest child sex cases in years.

The former WFAY radio broadcaster was arrested in 2002 on charges that he repeatedly molested three sisters, ranging in ages from nine to 12.

On Wednesday, all three girls testified that Hess, a family friend, forced them to have sex with him. Two of the girls said Hess threatened them if they told anyone.

In court, the girls, now teenagers, were nervous and quiet under oath. The oldest cried on the stand. The middle one did not make eye contact with Hess, even when he was questioning her.

All three girls testified their mother knew what was going on but did not do anything about it. Their mother is also facing charges.

Hess is acting as his own lawyer.

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