HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 22-year-old man arrested earlier this year on charges in a Jessica’s Law child sex case is back in jail because he apparently failed to appear in court.

Sterling Tucker is charged with aggravated indecent liberties with a child for alleged touching or fondling of a 9-year-old girl. Because the child is under the age of 14, the possible sentence is life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years under Jessica’s Law. The alleged crime occurred between Dec. 25, 2015, and Feb. 15, 2016, in the city of Hutchinson.

He also faces a second charge of blackmail where he allegedly threatened to communicate accusations or statements about the sister of the victim that could subject her to ridicule, contempt or degradation.

Tucker claims that he isn’t guilty of the alleged crimes.

He posted a bond of $35,000, but failed to appear for a court hearing in the matter, leading to a bench warrant for $50,000. He asked for some relief from the bond, but Judge Chambers denied his request.

He’s currently on community corrections for a drug conviction from January of this year.

Judge Chambers set a new hearing of Nov. 30 for the indecent liberties charge.