SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY, Va. — A man accused of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13 last month was released on bond, the Southampton County Sheriff's Office announced on Wednesday.
Matthew Ferguson was released on bond nearly two weeks after he was arrested in connection to a sexual assault case.
Law enforcement officials first learned of the assault on Smiths Ferry Road on Jan. 18. Following the initial investigation, deputies arrested Ferguson on a slew of charges on Feb. 7.
Newly filed court documents obtained by 13News Now shed light on what deputies say happened.
Court documents say Ferguson sexually assaulted a girl from the time she was 12 years old to 14 years old.
Investigators say he used a social media site to send explicit photos of himself to the child. Ferguson reportedly threatened to tell the girl’s mother if she didn’t send photos back.
Court documents say one time, Ferguson slapped a part of the girl’s body leaving handprints and bruises.
The documents say Ferguson is a family friend of the victim and says the assaults happened in the victim's mother’s home.
The 32-year-old is facing charges for possession of child pornography, three counts of aggravated sexual battery of a minor less than 13 years of age, sexual battery, and two counts of use of communications systems to solicit a minor.
He is expected back in court on April 18.