Friday, a Defuniak Springs man was brought to Covington County to face allegations he sexually abused a 9-year-old during this year’s Florala’s June 24th festivities.

Florala chief Sonny Bedsole said John Phillip Trammell, 44, is charged with child abuse of a child less than 12 after he allegedly had inappropriate sexual contact with the girl on Sat., June 26, in the waters of Lake Jackson.

“The child was swimming with family and friends when the 44-year-old man allegedly kissed her on the mouth several times and (touched her in a sexual manner),” Bedsole said.

Bedsole said the initial offense report was filed the following Tuesday by the family at the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, and during the department’s investigation, it was determined the incident took place on the north side of Lake Jackson, in Florala’s jurisdiction.

The child was interviewed by the Niceville, Fla., Child Advocacy Center, he said.

“Their investigator said it was their opinion the child was being truthful about the incident,” he said.

Bedsole said the case was then turned over to the Florala Police Department.

“We interviewed Mr. Trammell, who gave a mirrored account of the incident minus the sexual contact,” Bedsole said.

A warrant was then issued for Trammell’s arrest, and he was extradited from Walton County, Fla.

Trammell was booked into the Covington County Jail and released on a $50,000 bond.