The investigation of a man who was charged with sexually assaulting a 2-year-old began when the case was reported to the Department of Social Services at the end of April, the investigator handling the case said Monday night.

Social services handed investigation over to the Halifax County Sheriff's Office and Detective Roy Rooks charged 21-year-old Jeffery Carter of Roanoke Rapids Friday.

Carter faces charges of second degree sexual offense and indecent liberties with a minor.

The charges do not necessarily mean there was physical contact with the child, Rooks said, only that the child felt threatened with physical contact.

Rooks said Carter was familiar with the child and lived in the same house. The child was interviewed by a psychologist.

Carter was jailed on $10,000 bond and has an August 16 court date.