A Hazleton man accused of trying to abduct a 13-year-old girl in West Penn Township two years ago had his preliminary hearing before District Magisterial Judge James Ferrier on Tuesday.

Orlando Jimenez, 62, of Garfield Street in Hazleton, pleaded not guilty to a charge of luring a child into a motor vehicle. The charge was filed by officer Denna Krammes of the West Penn Township Police.

The victim was walking along Dairy Road, from her parents’ business to her grandparents’ house, at 11:40 a.m. on Aug. 9, 2016, when a black 1997 Honda CRV approached her.

When the vehicle suddenly stopped, the girl initially thought the driver was going to ask for directions. Instead, the older man, later identified as Jimenez, told her to “get in.” She ran back to her parents’ business and reported what happened.

Police used video images captured on security cameras in the area to identify the Honda and provide a description of the driver, which was then broadcast by the Schuylkill County Communications Center. Press releases were sent to the media and police received a tip after the segment was shown on a Wilkes-Barre television station. This led to the identification of Jimenez.

The defendant was arraigned on July 7 before duty District Magisterial Judge Anthony Kilker, who set bail at $50,000 percentage.

Initially unable to post bond, Jimenez was lodged in the Schuylkill County Prison in Pottsville.

Ferrier found there was enough evidence to send the charges to the Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas.

Jimenez was released Tuesday after posting bail.