Man charged with assaulting toddler

FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WALA) - Authorities said there were horrible allegations against a Baldwin County man Friday.  He’s accused of attempting to sexually assault a 2-year-old girl.

Police said 29-year-old Raymond David Dechant attempted to sexually assault young girl on Wednesday night.  He’s now in jail after Fairhope police said were alerted by a family member of the toddler.

“A family member actually discovered the act in progress and immediately notified the Police Department,” said Fairhope Police spokesperson, Sgt. Craig Sawyer.  “We responded to the scene and made the arrest.”

Police said Dechant had access to the home where the alleged incident took place.

Dechant was initially booked into the Baldwin County Jail with no bond and made his first court appearance Friday afternoon.  He had no legal representation and no family present as Judge Michelle Thomason considered his charge. 

The Baldwin County District Attorney’s Office recommended a $50,000 bond be set with additional restrictions.  Judge Thomason, not being satisfied with the state’s recommendation on this charge, upped the bond to $100,000. 

Other conditions of Dechant’s bond are that he will remain on house arrest with GPS monitoring, and he can have no contact with any children under 18 or the victim.  His next court appearance is set for September.