FARMINGTON — A Phillips man was charged Tuesday with sexually assaulting and terrorizing a 9-year-old girl, according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department.

Robert Parker, 43, was first charged with sending harassing text messages several days ago to members of the girl’s family, Lt. David St. Laurent said.

St. Laurent said detectives thought the content of the text messages was suspicious and that led them to suspect additional crimes had occurred. The girl was interviewed later and told police that Parker had assaulted her sexually, he said.

The girl said Parker also threatened to kill her if she told anyone, according to court documents.

Parker, who was already in the Franklin County Jail on the earlier harassment charge and for violating a condition of release, was re-arrested Tuesday and charged with terrorizing and two counts of gross sexual assault, St. Laurent said.

St. Laurent said the incidents happened sometime between the beginning of July and the end of September. He said the investigation is ongoing and Parker could face additional charges.

Parker’s bail was set Wednesday by Judge Susan Oram in Franklin County Court at $75,000 cash or $150,000 property. Parker’s bail conditions include conditions of no contact with anyone under the age of 16 and no possession of pornography.

Parker rocked back and forth while he stood throughout the court appearance, and was asked twice by Oram not to interrupt during the proceeding.

Margot Joly, who stood as Parker’s attorney Wednesday until another one could be appointed, said Parker should be released on personal recognizance because he would be unable to post any bail.

Parker also was charged with two counts of child endangerment in Franklin County after he was accused in September of giving cigarettes to two children under the age of 15.

Kaitlin Schroeder — 861-9252
kschroeder@centralmaine.com