HERMITAGE  An 81-year-old Mercer man is in jail on a $100,000 bond after he was arrested and charged with four felony counts related to the alleged sexual assault of a child, according to a criminal complaint.

William Armstrong is charged with rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and statutory sexual assault. He was placed in Mercer County Prison after being unable to post bail.

According to a police affidavit, Hermitage Police began investigating an allegation of sexual assault on July 12. A child, said to be less than 13 years old when the alleged crimes began, was interviewed by a forensic specialist a few days later and reported that over two years, Armstrong had touched her genital area. The child also reported that Armstrong made her touch his genitals, offering her rewards.

The affidavit states that Armstrong admitted to police that he played a "game" with the alleged victim where they touched each other’s private parts. He told police it was the victim's idea and occurred multiple times between 2023 and November 2024.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 4.