A Casper man on Thursday waived his preliminary hearing on allegations that he repeatedly sexually abused a six-year-old girl.

Matthew Canady, 32, is charged with two counts of first-degree sexual abuse of a minor, two counts of incest and one count of sexual exploitation of children. He could face 55-142 years in prison if convicted on all counts.

Charging documents say the case began June 5 when a Casper police sergeant received an intake report from the Wyoming Department of Family Services that alleged Canady had sexually abused a young girl. The case was assigned to a detective.

Per the intake report, as described in the affidavit, the alleged victim's mother said that while bathing the alleged victim and her younger sister, the alleged victim started to show the other girl how to touch herself. The alleged victim reportedly told her mother that Canady was the one who taught her how to do that.

The detective scheduled an interview for the alleged victim at the Children's Advocacy Project in Casper. During the forensic interview on June 6, the child reportedly detailed the alleged abuse.

Court papers say that when the detective contacted Canady, Canady immediately asked, "Is this about me raping [name redacted]?"

When interviewed by the detective, Canady allegedly admitted to certain allegations, but denied others. He reportedly told the detective that the alleged abuse began in 2017.

Canady allegedly said the abuse occurred "6 or 7 times..."

Public defender Joseph Cole announced Canady's waiver of the preliminary hearing during Thursday's hearing, and asked that Canady's bond be lowered from $50,000 cash or surety to $25,000 cash or surety. He acknowledged the seriousness of the charges, but said Canady has no criminal history.

Assistant District Attorney Trevor Schenk responded by saying bond was appropriately set, adding that the state has great evidence in the case. He emphasized the significant minimum sentences that Canady may face.

Bond remains set at $50,000 cash or surety. The case is now set to be bound over to district court for trial.

Per state statute, law enforcement cannot release a booking photo of Canady until he has been arraigned in district court.

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