A 42-year-old Graysville man has been charged with eight counts of statutory rape in connection with a month-long sexual relationship he allegedly conducted with a 13-year-old girl.

Roy D. Posey, of Pikeville Avenue in Graysville, was arrested Aug. 2 by Chief Deputy Charles Byrd with the Rhea County Sheriff's Department.

Byrd, who investigates sex crimes for the county, said he was contacted about the alleged relationship in late July. He interviewed both the girl and Posey, and the girl gave him details of the relationship that lasted through the month of July. Posey denied the relationship, according to Byrd. The investigator also says he has a witness to some of the alleged events.

"He showed her attention; he lured her in; he told her he loved her," Byrd said. "And she believed him."

Posey is being held at the Rhea County Jail pending payment of a $25,000 bond. His case has been bound over to the October session of the Rhea County Grand Jury.