HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 47-year-old man has been formally charged with commercial sexual exploitation of a child and sexual battery.

Jerry Pierce Jr. was in court Wednesday where he was read the formal charges

Officers were called to a home on West Sherman on Nov. 14 on the report from an underage girl that Pierce was attempting to have sexual relations with her. He apparently touched her in a sexual way during an altercation. According to statements made in court, the two had also chatted online about having sexual encounters.

The victim, her mother, and others were in court for the hearing. The case now moves to a waiver-status docket.