A Monticello man was charged with statutory rape this week afterlaw enforcement officers said he was caught in a motel room with a14-year-old girl.

The 23-year-old suspect was arrested around 9 p.m. Friday at theWelcome Inn on charges of possession of liquor in a dry county andcontributing to the delinquency of a minor, said Monticello PoliceDepartment Investigator Charles White.

“We were notified something was occurring at a motel with apossibly underage girl,” White said.

The suspect was charged Monday with statutory rape following aninvestigation of the incident, White said. He was released Tuesdayon a $30,000 bond.

First offense statutory rape carries a maximum sentence of 30years and/or a $10,000 fine, he said.

White said the suspect knew the girl before Friday night, butWhite said he did not know how or when they first met.

It is the policy of The DAILY LEADER not to identify thosealleging sexual assault.

A preliminary hearing on the case will be held Feb. 16.