A Mercer man has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl. 

Police say the suspect, 29-year-old Michael Blauser had been released from jail for a previous sexual assault conviction.

Blauser had allegedly been communicating with the mother of the 10-year-old victim while previously incarcerated, allegedly convincing her to allow him to live at her residence upon his release in June of 2021.

The 10-year-old victim told police that Blauser would come into her bedroom when her mother was asleep and repeatedly sexually assault her during his time living at the residence.

Blauser was reincarcerated in December of 2021 pertaining to a violation of the sexual offender registration requirements, at which time the victim told police the assaults stopped.

Blauser is charged with Rape of a Child and and Indecent Assault. He is awaiting a preliminary hearing at this time.