ROCKLAND — Rockland Police arrested a 28-year-old man from Old Town July 19 for allegedly assaulting a juvenile girl, younger than 14, who he met online, according to a press release the department posted on its Facebook page. 

Zachary Lankist was charged with Class A gross sexual assault.

The arrest came after an investigation into a reported sexual assault that occurred earlier this year in Rockland. During that investigation, it was learned that a juvenile, under the age of 14, had met Lankist using an online messaging app.

The juvenile and Lankist later met in person, where the assault took place, police said.  

Rockland Police were assisted in the investigation by members of the Old Town Police Department, Bangor Police Department, Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit, and Maine State Police Evidence Response Team.

The investigation is still ongoing and more charges are expected.

Anyone with any information related to this case is asked to contact Rockland Police Detective Anne Griffith at agriffith@RocklandMaine.gov or 594-0316, ext. 232.

Lankist remains at the Knox County Jail in Rockland and has not yet made his initial court appearance.

Sarah Shepherd can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com