A Sonoma Valley man pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of molesting a girl under 10 years old. Kenneth Donald Hutchins, 64, of Boyes Hot Springs, faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted of the eight felony counts, which include sexual assault, forced oral copulation and possession of child pornography.
Hutchins has been in custody since his arrest Jan. 16. Judge Dana Simonds set a preliminary hearing for Feb. 27.
Hutchins was assisting with day care for a relative when the incidents took place, a Sheriff's Office spokesman has said. The case came to light when another child alerted the girl's mother. An investigation revealed multiple acts in the victim's Sonoma home as well as in Hutchins' residence, the spokesman said.
UPDATED: Please read and follow our commenting policy: