A Butler man accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl in his home over a nearly nine-year period waived his preliminary hearing Monday, Aug. 14.

Kevin D. Bard, 46, appeared before District Judge William Fullerton after being charged by city police with felonies sexual assault, statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault of a child and misdemeanor indecent assault.

After discussion with Kimberly Hudak, public defender, Bard waived his hearing. He will appear next in the Butler County Courthouse for a formal arraignment.

Bard was arrested in Cranberry Township after charges were filed for a series of alleged incidents that began when the girl was 8 or 9 years old and lasted until recently, police said.

Court documents showed the girl is still a minor.

Police said a ChildLine report about the accusations was made June 9. On June 22, a forensic interview was held with the girl at the Butler County Children’s Advocacy Center.

Documents showed the girl disclosed that Bard would force her to engage in sexual acts while at his home in Butler, as well as touch her inappropriately.

On July 11, police interviewed Bard. Documents state Bard told police he touched the girl inappropriately.

Bard remains in Butler County Prison in lieu of $250,000 bail.