Daily Staff Writer

An Ames man was arrested Monday for the alleged sexual assault of a juvenile girl, officials said.

Sonny A. Groves, 27, of 4404 Lincoln Swing, was arrested on a charge of second-degree sexual abuse and lascivious acts with a 7-year-old.

According to the Ames Police Department, the juvenile does not live in Ames.

Police records indicate that Groves was reported to have assaulted the female when she was visiting him in Ames between Dec. 25, 1995, and Jan. 1, 1996, and again shortly after Jan. 1.

Investigation by the Ames Police Department began March 29, when it was notified of the case from the Department of Human Services in Story County, detective Dave Konopa said.

Konopa said that Groves and the juvenile are related through marriage.

Groves is now being held in the Story County Jail on a $40,000 bond. If he is convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison, a $1,000 fine or both.