A judge elevated a charge from a misdemeanor to a felony and held the rest for court against a Butler man accused of sexually assaulting a minor.

Dennis Emmett Goodwine II, 23, is accused of sexually abusing a girl seven years younger than him. The girl was between 8 and 12 when the abuse occurred, police said.

The now-17-year-old testified at the preliminary hearing Monday, June 9.

Goodwine was charged with one felony count each of involuntary deviant sexual intercourse and aggravated indecent assault of a person less than 13. District Judge William Fullerton elevated a misdemeanor indecent assault charge to a felony charge at the request of assistant district attorney J.P. Kulzer.

Goodwine’s formal arraignment is scheduled for 1 p.m. July 29 in Butler County Common Pleas Courtroom 5. He’s represented by attorney Samir Sarna.

Goodwine is being held in Butler County Prison on a $25,000 bond.