SHARON A Mercer County District Magistrate has set $250,000 bail for a Sharon man after a fifteen-year-old girl claims he has repeatedly sexually assaulted her since she was six years old.

Thirty-year-old Michael King Jr. appeared in court Monday to answer three felony charges that include rape and statutory sexual assault.

The charges were filed after the teen went to the Sharon Police last month, claiming that the alleged assaults escalated to about once a week when she turned 11 years old. She told investigators that King would threaten her and hold her arms down as the alleged assaults took place.

Investigators went to King's home and collected clothing and other evidence to be tested.

After first denying the allegations, King later admitted having what he claimed was “consensual” sex with the girl, telling officers he was lonely and “she was pretty,” according to a criminal complaint filed in court.

As of Tuesday, King remained in the Mercer County Jail awaiting another court hearing set for August 18.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Some details of this case have not been disclosed to protect the identity of the alleged victim.