Affidavit: Man, 34, forced minor to perform sex acts

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - Investigators say they have arrested a 34-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a young child on multiple occasions.

Ronald Lamont Simmons was arrested Thursday and charged with first degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor and first degree assault and battery.

Officials say the investigation began on June 17, 2014 after the victim, who is still a minor, claimed she was sexually assaulted by Simmons multiple times over the previous three years.

According to affidavits, the victim told a forensic interviewer Simmons forced her to perform a sexual act while she was at his home in December 2013.

The young child told the interviewer she was also sexually assault by Simmons between the dates of July 2010 and June 2011, describing the incident as "bad, painful and uncomfortable," court records state.

In both claims, the victim was able to use drawings and her own body to clarify details of the sexual assault, officials say.

Following an investigation into the allegations, documents show charges were filed against Simmons on October 16.

He is being held at the Charleston County Detention Center.