SHARON, Pa. -  A 28-year-old Sharon man is in the Mercer County Jail, accused of repeatedly raping a girl over two years starting when she was six years old.

J’mal Kitt was arraigned in District Court Wednesday following an investigation by the Sharon Police Department and Mercer County Children and Youth Services.

The child, now 8 years old, told counselors that Kitt would have her undress and force her to submit to sex acts at his apartment.

The girl told police that Kitt would hold a hammer and threaten to “smash her with a hammer” if she told anyone what he was doing with her.

When interviewed by police, Kitt denied the child’s allegations.

Kitt, who is jailed on $60,000 bond, faces eight charges including rape statutory sexual assault, deviate sexual intercourse with a child, and sexual assault.

Another court hearing is scheduled for November 13.