By MOLLY DRYMAN

Staff Reporter

LAPLACE – A 36-year-old LaPlace resident was arrested Friday on charges for the alleged molestation of a 9-year-old girl.

The identity of the man was withheld by the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office to protect the identity of the victim.

&#8220We received a call on this Jan. 7,” said Maj. Mike Tregre, spokesman for the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office. &#8220The mother of the 9-year-old girl called and stated this man molested her daughter.”

Tregre said after the complaint was made the victim was interviewed, and reported she was lying in bed when it happened with her pajamas on. Tregre said the relation of the man to the family is unknown at this time.

&#8220She said he was wearing his pants, but no shirt,” Tregre said. &#8220She said he started rubbing her private area over her pajamas. She rolled over to get away from him and he stated pinching her buttocks.”

Tregre said after further investigation, the man was arrested and taken to the Sherman Walker Correctional Center, where he is being held on a $35,000 bond set by Judge Sterling Snowdy.