VALPARAISO | An initial hearing is scheduled Friday morning for a 48-year-old Portage man charged with molesting a young girl between 1988 and 1998.
Roger Tanner, of 2156 Liberty St., was charged with the Class A felony count of child molesting after the purported victim told police the memories of abuse only recently began flooding back to her.
The woman, who is now married, told police the molestation began in Hobart when she was 4 years old and continued after her family moved to Portage.
She told police "she can barely recall a day or night when Mr. Tanner would not touch her."
The woman said Tanner was never violent or mean, but would attempt to bribe her in return for sexual activity and gave her drugs.
The purported victim said when she was 18, she told her mother about the abuse and Tanner was confronted, according to police. Tanner reportedly said the activity was consensual.
"What 4-year-old can consent to something like that?" the woman told police.
The purported victim said since the memories resurfaced, she has had difficulty eating, functioning and sleeping, and drinks more alcohol.
Tanner has denied the accusations, police said.
Friday's initial hearing will take place before Porter Superior Court Judge Bill Alexa.
Tanner faces between 20 and 50 years behind bars if convicted of the charge.
Please Wait…