A Havre man is out on bail awaiting a hearing on charges accusing him of sexually abusing a toddler-aged relative.

John M. Damson, born in 1973, was arrested at a hotel in Malta Tuesday, court documents report. He is scheduled to enter his initial plea on felony charges of incest and sexual assault Monday, Aug. 22.

Damson paid the bond on his $50,000 bail Tuesday.

According to the documents, a report was made to the police Feb. 7 that Damson may have been assaulting the girl. The girl said he “hurts her” with his genitals, the documents say, and that she no longer wanted to see him.

Over several months, the girl continued to make several comments, and during a therapy session July 27 became more specific, giving details of actions including oral sex and other abuse, the document says.

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