KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — A Knoxville man accused of sexually abusing a child has been taken into custody following a grand jury indictment, according to the Knoxville Police Department.
Police said Christopher Nelson, 38, was arrested Wednesday evening without incident after being indicted on two counts of aggravated rape of a child and two counts of sexual battery.
According to KPD, detectives determined that Nelson sexually abused an eight-year-old child on at least two occasions during their investigation.
The charges were formally brought after a Knox County grand jury reviewed the case and returned the indictment.
Nelson was transported to the Roger D. Wilson Detention Center, where he remains in custody. Authorities said his bond has been set at $350,000.
The Knoxville Police Department did not release additional details about the investigation or the circumstances surrounding the alleged incidents.
Aggravated rape of a child is among Tennessee’s most serious criminal offenses and carries significant prison penalties upon conviction.
As with all criminal cases, the charges against Nelson are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
The case will proceed through the Knox County court system.
