A North Platte man is facing sexual assault charges after his relationship with a 15-year-old girl was discovered by the girl’s mother.

Last September, the North Platte Police Department opened a sexual assault investigation, after receiving a complaint from the mother of a female juvenile.

The mother alleged that her daughter and Eric McClain, who was 23-years-old at the time, were involved in a consensual sexual relationship.

In January 2015, the girl was interviewed at the Bridge of Hope, regarding her relationship with McClain.

According to Officer Rodney Brown, the girl reported that she and McClain had sexual intercourse on multiple occasions at different locations.  The girl said she and McClain had met while she was in 8th grade.

An investigator met with McClain on January 21 and, following further investigation, determined that there was probable cause to charge McClain with felony 1st degree sexual assault.

Nebraska law prohibits anyone over the age of 19 from having sexual intercourse with anyone younger than 16.

McClain was placed under arrest and jailed at the Lincoln County Detention Center.