The case of a man accused of sexually abusing a young girl will go before a St. Lawrence County grand jury.

In a preliminary hearing in Ogdensburg City Court on Tuesday, Judge William R. Small ruled that there was sufficient evidence against Joshua A. Petell, 25, of 4 Mill St., for a charge of felony first-degree sexual abuse to stand.

Mr. Petell was arrested Thursday. He is accused of touching the vaginal area of a 7-year-old girl on July 22.

In a signed statement, according to Ogdensburg Police Juvenile Det. Shawn R. Shaver, Mr. Petell said he touched the girl after drawing fake tattoos on her leg.

Mr. Petell’s attorney is Mary E. Rain, Ogdensburg.

Mr. Petell continues to be held in Judge Small agreed with Ms. Rain’s request to lower her client’s bail from $25,000 cashor $50,000bond to$10,000 cash or $20,000 bond.

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