A Gilbert man has been charged with the alleged sexual assault of a young child.

According to the affidavit of probable cause filed by the Pennsylvania State Police at Lehighton:

On May 21, troopers received a report of suspected child abuse.

The victim was identified as a 3-year-old, while the suspect was identified as Paul W. Schuler, 30, of Gilbert.

The incident came to light when the victim displayed unusual behavior and told a family friend that Schuler had done stuff to her when she was 2.

The victim’s parents identified Schuler, a family friend, who lived with the victim and her parents in Polk Township during the summer of 2017.

The acts are suspected to have occurred at the victim’s residence, but may have occurred in additional locations as well.

The victim was examined at the Lehigh Valley Pocono Hospital and forensically interviewed at the Monroe County Children’s Advocacy Center.

During the interview, the victim disclosed that “Paulina,” the nickname the victim called Schuler, touched her inappropriately.

The victim said that this occurred on one occasion and that she is afraid of Schuler.

The victim stated, “He hurt me.”

When the victim was asked if Schuler ever asked her to do something to him, she answered, “No, not yet.”

Schuler was interviewed on May 30 and confirmed that he lived with the victim and her parents during the summer of 2017.

Schuler also confirmed that he spent time playing with the victim and that the members of the household called him “Paulina,” but he denied doing anything to the victim.

Schuler faces charges of aggravated indecent assault, corruption of minors and indecent assault.

He is currently incarcerated in the Monroe County Correctional Facility in lieu of $100,000 bail, and is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing March 29 before District Judge Colleen Mancuso of Brodheadsville.