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Monday, Nov. 02, 2009

Teen girl accuses Merced man, a family acquaintance, of sexual assault.

A 31-year-old man was arrested early Sunday morning on suspicion of raping a 13-year-old girl, Merced police reported.

Police acknowledged detectives are withholding some details about the alleged assault to protect the integrity of the investigation.

The suspect, Raymond Thompson of Merced, was taken into custody after police responded to a fight shortly before 3:50 a.m. in the 1800 block of Merced Avenue, according to Lt. Tom Trindad.

The fight was between Thompson and the father of the alleged victim, police said.

Thompson is accused of going to the victim's apartment sometime after 3 a.m. and raping the girl. Detective Joe Deliman, the lead investigator in the case, said the girl was alone when the alleged assault happened.

When Thompson left the apartment, the victim told a neighbor about the alleged rape. The neighbor called the girl's father, who confronted Thompson. The fight had already erupted between the two men when officers arrived at the scene, Deliman said.

After further investigation, Thompson was arrested and booked into the Merced County Jail on suspicion of committing several felonies, including rape by fear or force, lewd or lascivious conduct with a minor, burglary, and assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm.

Under questioning, Thompson denied committing any sexual assault, Deliman said.

Police believe Thompson is an acquaintance of the victim's father and knows his family.

A counselor from Valley Crisis Center was called to the scene to talk with the girl. Thompson is being held in lieu of $650,000 bail.

Police are asking anyone with any information to contact Detective Joe Deliman at (209) 385-6992, or the department automated tip line at (209) 385-4725.

Reporter Victor A. Patton can be reached at (209) 385-2431 or vpatton@mercedsun-star.com.