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Arrest made after Science Museum sex assault investigation

Posted at 2:34 PM, Mar 23, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-23 18:28:45-04

RICHMOND, Va. -- A 25-year-old Richmond man was arrested in connection to a Valentine's Day sexual assault investigation at the Science Museum of Virginia. The victim in that case was a nine-year-old girl.

"Twenty-five year old Evan Bernard Black, who lives in The Fan area of Richmond, was arrested this morning at Capitol Police headquarters," Capitol Police Captain Randall Howard said. "Mr. Black was transported to the Richmond Justice Center, where he is being held without bond pending a preliminary hearing."

Black was charged with felony Abduction. He faces up to 10 years in prison and/or a $2500 fine.  Investigators told CBS 6 reporter Jake Burns that more charges are expected in the case.

Evan Bernard Black (PHOTO: Virginia Division of Capitol Police)

Evan Bernard Black (PHOTO: Virginia Division of Capitol Police)

"At this time, there is no indication that this case is connected to the Attempted Abduction at the Air & Space Museum in Washington, D.C. on March 3rd," Howard said.

Police were called to the Science Museum at about 4:50 p.m. on Valentine's Day after a child said she was touched inappropriately by a stranger.

"The Museum has provided security footage and is cooperating with the investigation," Science Museum of Virginia Director Richard Conti said when the incident was first reported in February.

Cpt. Howard said "two independent" tips identified Black from surveillance images.  Both tipsters know Black, and neither know each other, according to Black.

CBS 6 spoke with a man who said he is a longtime neighbor of Black, who lives in the Fan district.  The neighbor said the allegations "do not fit" the kid he saw grow up a few doors down.

Black is scheduled to appear before a judge Thursday morning.

Anyone with more information was asked to call Sgt. Tony Gulotta at 804-786-2505 or 804-786-2120. Anyone with more information can submit a news tip here.

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