(FOX40.COM) — A 46-year-old man was arrested this year after authorities discovered he sexually assaulted a 3-year-old girl in 1997, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office.

SCSO said that a mother made a report on June 1, 1997, of her daughter being a victim of sexual assault at a family gathering the day prior.

Patrol Deputies and Child Abuse Bureau Detectives identified John Caleb Cowper, 18 at the time, as the suspect in the case. He was questioned and denied inappropriate behavior with the girl.

The Forensic Interview Specialist interviewed the 3-year-old girl as she disclosed additional details. SCSO said that the case was placed into inactive status as it was pending additional corroboration.

On Jan. 10, Cowper was in custody in the El Dorado County Jail for unrelate

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