SKOWHEGAN — A Bingham man charged with five counts of gross sexual assault against a minor made his initial appearance Friday in Skowhegan District Court.
Justin Tykon Harris, 19, was arrested Thursday by the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office and remains in Somerset County Jail in Madison where his bail was lowered Friday by the court from $100,000 to $50,000.
Contacted Friday, Chief Deputy Michael Mitchell of the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, said Detective Jeremy Leal, the primary investigator, learned this week of the alleged assaults, which reportedly occurred over the last 1 1/2 years.
A formal arraignment for Harris is scheduled for May 13 although that date could change and the charges could be modified, Mitchell said. At an arraignment, the District Attorney’s Office would state the charges against Harris, he said. At an initial appearance, a judge informs the defendant of his rights and generally no plea is made.
Gross sexual assault is a Class A felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
The probable cause affidavit for Harris is impounded, a district court clerk said Friday.
It is the policy of the Morning Sentinel not to identify victims of crimes.
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