Girl reports fondling; county man arrested

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GREENFIELD — A Hancock County man faces felony child molestation charges after a young girl told police she was fondled on several occasions.

Brian Layton, 54, was arrested Friday on charges of child molestation and sexual misconduct with a minor.

According to a probable cause affidavit, the girl spent the night at Layton’s home multiple times during the past several years, and she told police she was fondled, most recently in October. She also said she was forced to touch Layton inappropriately, court documents state.

Child molestation is a Level 4 felony, and the sexual misconduct with a minor charge is enhanced to a Level 5 felony because Layton is older than 21.

A Level 4 felony carries a penalty of two to 12 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. A Level 5 felony carries a sentence of one to six years and up to $10,000 in fines.

Layton was released on $1,000 bond from the Hancock County Jail on Friday. He returns to court April 23, court records show.