HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 22-year-old man was in court Monday morning for the reading of charges in a Jessica’s Law child sex case.

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.

The bond in the case is $35,000 and, in court, Tucker asked for a reduction, but District Attorney Keith Schroeder argued against it, telling the judge that considering the severity of the crime and the possible sentence, the bond is minimal. Magistrate Judge Cheryl Allen agreed and denied the reduction.

Tucker stated in court that he isn’t guilty of the alleged crimes.

The case will now be put on a future waiver-status docket on Aug. 25.