BROOKFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio - A Brookfield man is behind bars after allegedly raping a 7-year-old girl.

According to the report, 52-year-old Robert Richards allegedly sexually assaulted the juvenile at a home in Brookfield.

Trumbull County Assistant Prosecutor Gabe Wildman said the victim is known to him. He says the alleged assaults occurred between December 2019 and Fall 2021.

A secret indictment was filed for Richards and a warrant for his arrest was issued.

Richards was taken into custody by police Wednesday afternoon at his home on the 7400 block of Stewart Sharon Road.

"We thought it was important to have him in custody before Christmas and we wanted to ruin his Christmas," Wildman said.

Richards could face a life sentence without the possibility of parole if convicted.