A 63 year old DeKalb County man has been arrested and charged with the sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12.

Rainsville resident Roger Dale Harcrow is facing eight counts in connection with that case – on November 5th, a DeKalb County Investigator and DHR personnel began an investigation after speaking with members of the Sylvania Police Department regarding an alleged rape.

DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris said that the victim and family were directed to DeKalb Regional before being transferred to Children’s Hospital in Birmingham.

Investigators worked with DHR, the Child Advocacy Center and medical personnel and then reported to Deputy District Attorney Bob Johnston.

Harcrow was arrested Friday (November 7th) and remains in the DeKalb County Detention awaiting setting of bond.

Sheriff Jimmy Harris said the abuse of the victim started at the age of 9 and the child is still under 12 years of age – he expresses concerns that other victims could exist.

Harris said he hopes the case will go to the grand jury soon.

(Information provided in part by WAFF TV48/www.waff.com)