JEFFERSON COUNTY — A Bluford man is in custody after being charged with predatory criminal sexual assault of a victim under the age of 13.

Jefferson County Deputy Sheriff Blaine Uhls says the report originally came in late in 2018 after the victim reported the incident to Clay County authorities. JCSO took over the investigation when it was reported that the incident took place in the county.

Uhls says the man accused, 23-year-old Branden Holt, was out of the area and police could not talk to him about the incident until mid-July. He says deputies were finally able to interview Holt on July 22nd and they proceeded to send the information collected to the Jefferson County State’s Attorney. An arrest warrant was issued for Holt on Tuesday and he was taken into custody.

Holt is in custody at the Jefferson County Justice Center being held on $150,000 bond. He is likely to be arraigned Wednesday.