A Hillsboro man is facing a rape allegation following an investigation and his subsequent arrest on Wednesday.

Vernon Ellison Jr., 44, has been charged with first-degree felony rape, a charge stemming from allegations of years-long sexual abuse brought to the Highland County Sheriff’s Office in early December.

According to an affidavit filed with the Hillsboro Municipal Court on Thursday, the victim told a detective at the sheriff’s office that sexual abuse began when she was approximately 4 years old and continued for years, eventually escalating to her being raped by Ellison when she was around 11.

The affidavit states that on Wednesday, a meeting between the victim and Ellison was arranged and the ensuing conversation was recorded and monitored by a detective from outside the location where the meeting took place.

The dectictive said during the conversation when the victim confronted Ellison about the sexual abuse, Ellison was apologetic and offered excuses, but “never denies” that the acts occurred.

According to Highland County Sheriff Donnie Barrera, Ellison was arrested on Wednesday afternoon, sometime after the recorded meeting.

Ellison was arraigned in Hillsboro Municipal Court on Thursday morning and his bond set at $100,000. A preliminary hearing in the municipal court is scheduled for Dec. 24.

Reach Angela Shepherd at 937-393-3456, ext. 1681, or on Twitter @wordyshepherd.