A JOHNSON CITY MAN ACCUSED OF NEGLECTING TO CARE FOR HIS MENTALLY ILL FATHER WILL MAKE AN APPEARANCE IN COURT TODAY. 44 YEAR OLD MARK HICKS IS CHARGED WITH WILLFUL ABUSE/GROSS NEGLIGENCE. HE’S ACCUSED OF LETTING HIS MENTALLY DISTURBED FATHER, MELVIN HICKS, WALK AROUND NUDE OUTSIDE OF THEIR HOME ON AUSTIN SPRINGS RD. MARK HICKS IS CURRENTLY BEING HELD IN THE WASHINGTON COUNTY TENNESSEE DETENTION CENTER ON 50-THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND. HE’LL APPEAR IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT LATER TODAY.