Doniphan Man Charged with First Degree Sexual Assault of a Child

By: Rowena Li - Email

Updated: Fri 9:57 PM, Nov 16, 2012

A Hall County man has been jailed for first degree sexual assault of a child.

Police arrested Lawrence Harjo of Doniphan Thursday afternoon. The 32-year-old is accused for sexually assaulting his girlfriend's 6-year-old daughter.

Authorities said law enforcement officers were notified after the victim told a school counselor about the alleged sexual abuse. They said Child Protective Services was then informed of the incident

"On the 15th of november, officers received a CPS intake alleging a sexual assault of a 6-year-old female. This occurred in north-central Grand Island," said Officer Butch Hurst of the Grand Island Police Department.

In court Friday morning, prosecutors said Harjo posed a risk to public safety, citing his previous criminal record, which includes child abuse and burglary. The judge set bond at $100,000 at 10 percent and ordered Harjo to not have any contact with the victim or her mother.

If convicted, Harjo faces a maximum of life in prison and a minimum of 20 years in prison. He would also have to register as a sex offender.

The judge appointed a public defender to Harjo, and his preliminary hearing is set for Jan. 14, 2013 at 9 a.m.