Several child sex abuse charges were filed against a Tennessee National Guardsman accused of fondling a 10-year-old relative last month, a Rutherford County Sheriff’s detective said. Suspect James Dean Jr., 47, of 104 Fulwood Court near Murfreesboro, was charged with two counts of aggravated sexual battery by an authority figure, indecent exposure and child abuse, said arresting Detective Steve Craig.

Craig and Department of Children’s Services employee Sherika Goodman began an investigation Aug. 29 after the girl disclosed Dean allegedly fondled her, forced her to fondle him and exposed himself to her, the detective said. “She did everything she was supposed to do,” Craig said. “She knew something was wrong and needed to tell someone.”

Dean did not give a statement. Craig charged him and booked him into Rutherford County Adult Detention Center where he is being held on $40,000 bond. A hearing is set Oct. 11 in General Sessions Court.