Hurricane restaurant owner enters plea in a sexual assault case

The owner of a popular Putnam County restaurant pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges in a four-count indictment, including sexual assault and abduction. Achraf A. Assi, who goes by Osh, pleaded not guilty on charges of second-degree sexual assault, first-degree sexual abuse, abduction and unlawful restraint. His pre-trial was set for May 31, with the trial scheduled to begin June 12. Assi is the owner of Fairways Bar & Grill located on Teays Valley Road in Hurricane. The indictment said Assi engaged in sexual intercourse with a woman who was “physically helpless.” The indictment went on to accuse Assi of abducting the woman and detaining her against her will.