FARMINGTON — A Strong man is accused of sexually abusing a girl under age 16 after the girl was reported missing by her mother.

The girl told police she had consensual sex with Matthew Abbott, 22, Franklin County Lt. David St. Laurent said Tuesday. The two had known each other for a couple of years.

Another Franklin County agency had been investigating a report of a missing person that was reported at 12 a.m. Monday. St. Laurent was called in at 6 a.m. He and Deputy Colt Bernhardt conducted an investigation.

Deputies went to Strong to interview Abbott.

Following the interview, Abbott was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of sexual abuse of a minor, he said.

A conviction on the misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Abbott was released on $150 cash bail later Monday from the Franklin County jail in Farmington. He is scheduled to appear at a Farmington court on Nov. 24.

dperry@sunmediagroup.net