BUTLER TWP — Testimony during a preliminary hearing Thursday told a tale of broken trust, when a man allegedly sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl.

Alan Free, 61, of Butler, appeared in court virtually Thursday before District Judge Kevin O'Donnell. He had remained in jail on $100,000 bond since his arraignment June 11 on five charges.

Free has been charged with two felonies, statutory sexual assault and aggravated indecent assault. He also has been charged with three misdemeanors, including corruption of minors, child endangerment and indecent assault.

O'Donnell moved the charges forward to the Butler County Court of Common Pleas. However, after an argument by his attorney, Al Lindsay, he agreed to reduce the bond to $50,000 moving forward with the same conditions intact that prohibit Free from contacting the girl.

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