(KAIR)--A preliminary hearing is set for a 68-year-old Atchison man accused of sex crimes against a young girl. 

Charged with rape, aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated indecent liberties with a child, Larry Mercer is scheduled to appear in Atchison County District Court for the hearing on April 5th. 

Mercer was arrested in early February after Atchison Police were contacted by a family member of the victim. 

At the time of the arrest, Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News the investigation, launched January 30th, focused on unlawful sexual acts committed against a female victim under the age of 14. 

Wilson said Mercer and the victim were acquainted. 

He remains held in the Atchison County Jail.