A Casper man is behind bars, accused of sexually abusing a seven-year old girl.

Travis Bowe has pleaded not guilty by reason of mental illness on two counts of first degree sexual abuse of a minor and two counts of second degree sexual abuse of a minor.

Investigators say the girl told police the alleged assault happened just before the Christmas Holiday last year.

The victim's mother told officers that she and Bowe do not get along, because he had been physically abusive to her in the past.

She also said that Bowe had been out drinking prior to the most recent instance, and then came back home and went into the victim's room.

When interviewed by police, Bowe denied any sexual contact with the girl.

He is being held on $100,000 bond awaiting trial.

The first-degree charges carry a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison, while the second charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years.

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