Two young girls testified at a preliminary hearing Monday about a 61-year-old Butler man who allegedly touched them inappropriately.

“He touched me sexually,” said one of the girls, a 13-year-old, in Butler's district court.

Defendant Farrell B. Parker appeared in court briefly alongside his attorney, Michael Moser.

District Judge William Fullerton moved all of Parker's charges forward. His charges include one felony count of aggravated indecent assault and two felony counts of corruption of minors. He also is charged with two related misdemeanors.

At the beginning of the hearing, Parker waived his right to be in the courtroom during the girls' testimony.

“That's fine,” he said.

He was escorted by his attorney to a waiting room, where he remained for the duration of the proceeding.

The 13-year-old testified first. She said in October, Parker touched her inappropriately with his hand below her waist.

“I said stuff like, 'No, stop and leave me alone,'” the girl said.

Based upon the 13-year-old's testimony, Moser later argued that the aggravated indecent assault should be withdrawn or reduced because it seemed unclear whether Parker's action was penetrative.

Assistant District Attorney Amanda Scarpo said early in the girl's testimony it seemed unclear. But when she asked the girl to describe the action later, she used wording consistent with penetration.

Fullerton agreed with the prosecution and held the charge.

“It's penetration, however slight,” Fullerton said.

After her testimony, the 13-year-old girl exited the courtroom, and an 11-year-old girl testified about a similar event.

State police told the court that forensic interviews were conducted during the investigation and would be made available to the defense before the trial.