A Searsport man has been charged with sexual abuse of a minor stemming from an alleged ongoing sexual relationship he reportedly had with a 14-year-old girl, according to Detective Matthew Cook, of the Belfast Police Department.

Bryton Allen, 23, has been charged with sexual abuse of a minor as a result of the alleged abuse, which took place over the course of several months.

Allen was reportedly staying at a Belfast residence with a family that included the juvenile from August through November.  

The case to the attention of Belfast Police following a referral from the Department of Health and Human Services after they were alerted by area school officials. The disclosure was made in mid-December with the subsequent weeks spent tracking Allen down, according to Cook. 

The alleged sexual contact reportedly occurred throughout the duration of Allen’s stay at the residence.

Allen had reportedly been homeless prior to staying at the juvenile’s former residence.  

Although no charges were filed against the minor’s parent that allowed Allen to stay, the juvenile and other minor children have been placed with their other parent due to concerns over conditions in the home.

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com