(ALBION) – A Kendallville man is charged with child molesting.

The Kendallville Police Department says they arrested 55 year Robert Neace, following an investigation that started almost two years ago. Noble County Circuit Court documents say that Kendallville Police were contacted on July 22, 2022 by the Department of Child Services about a girl that may have been touched inappropriately while at the Junior Jungle Day Care, owned by Neace and his wife.

A forensic interview was done with the alleged victim, who was four years old at the time. She said that Neace licked her buttocks, and does it all the time. The girl was also examined by a sexual assault nurse at the Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center.

She gave a consistent statement every time she was interviewed.

An arrest warrant was issued for Neace who was taken into custody on April 1. During his arraignment, Neace plead not guilty and is being held on $25,000 bond in the Noble County Jail.

If he is able to post bond, Neace is not to have any contact or be in the presence of anyone under the age of 18.