RUSSELLVILLE — A Mississippi man accused of touching a 4-year-old girl inappropriately has been indicted on a sexual abuse charge, authorities said.

Carlton Brady Kirby, 19, 267 Itawamba 331, Banner, Miss., has been indicted for sexual abuse of a child less than 12, courthouse officials said.

Authorities said Kirby is accused of inappropriately touching the girl while he was staying with the child’s family in Red Bay. The incident reportedly happened between July 3-10.

Reports indicate Kirby knows the child’s mother.

“This is one of those cases you just don’t understand why it happens,” Red Bay Police Chief Jana Jackson said.

Jackson said her department was notified and promptly began an investigation. Kirby was arrested Aug. 21.

Investigators said the girl told another family member about what happened and they told her mother, who called police.

Police said the incident reportedly happened once while the girl and Kirby were at the house by themselves.

Investigators said Kirby has denied the allegations.

Officials from the Rape, Abused and Incest National Network said a study shows someone in the U.S. is sexually abused every two minutes. Network officials said 15 percent of all sexual assault victims are younger than 12.

Also, a study shows 93 percent of all juvenile sexual assault victims know their attacker.

“This is horrible; it’s something that will affect this child for the rest of her life,” Jackson said.

Sexual abuse of a child less younger than 12 is a Class B felony and punishable by 2-20 years in prison if convicted.

Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing said Kirby is scheduled to be arraigned Jan. 13, and his case could be placed on the February circuit court docket.

Kirby is out of jail on bail totaling $75,000.

Tom Smith can be reached at 256-740-5757 or tom.smith@TimesDaily.com.