Man charged with raping 6-year-old

Deputies with the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office arrested Philip Earl Eckman, 77, of Newtonsville, July 24 for raping a 6-year-old girl.

According to a release from the sheriff’s office, a warrant was filed through the Clermont County Municipal Court for Eckman’s arrest after an extensive investigation.

Deputies arrested Eckman at his residence in Newtonsville at approximately 2 p.m. July 24 and he was charged with rape, a first-degree felony.

According to the release, the 6-year-old victim in the case was an acquaintance of Eckman, and the sexual conduct occurred earlier this year at Eckman’s residence.

Eckman is incarcerated at the Clermont County Jail. His bond was set at $500,000.

Eckman is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing in front of Judge Anthony Brock at 3 p.m. Aug. 1 at Clermont County Municipal Court.