An 84-year-old man was charged this week after allegedly sexually abusing a child under the age of 12.

Florala Police Chief Sonny Bedsole said his department received a complaint in January that a relative had walked into a home and observed the man groping and fondling his son.

Bedsole said the child was 7 years old.

“The child was interviewed at the Child Advocacy Center by forensic examiners,” Bedsole said. “The child did confirm what the witness had reported.”

George N. Scroggins was arrested and charged with sexual abuse of a child under 12 years old. He is being held in the Covington County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

According to Alabama law, a person commits the crime of sexual abuse of a child less than 12 years old if her or she, being 16 years old or older, subjects another person who is less than 12 years old to sexual contact.

Sexual abuse of a child less than 12 years old is a Class B felony.

If convicted, Scroggins faces two to 20 years in prison and fines up to $30,000.

He would also have to register as a sex offender.