MOULTON — A registered sex offender is back in jail, accused of sexually abusing a 7-year-old girl, officials said.

Wendell Melson, 45, 1008 Lawrence 323, Moulton, is charged with sexual abuse of a child less than 12 and first-degree sexual abuse, Lawrence County Sheriff Gene Mitchell said.

The sheriff said Melson is accused of having inappropriate sexual contact with the 7-year-old family acquaintance.

Reports indicate Melson was convicted of second-degree rape in September 1987. The incident involved a 13-year-old girl.

In June 1997, Melson was convicted of first-degree sexual abuse and attempted first-degree rape. The incident involved a 11-year-old girl.

He is being held in the Lawrence County Jail without bail at this time.