photo by: Mike Yoder

A Lawrence man was charged on Friday with multiple sex crimes against a child.

The man, Joseph Christopher Hess, 35, was formally charged in Douglas County District Court with six felonies, including three counts of criminal sodomy with a child, two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and one count of attempted aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

Hess appeared in court via a video stream from the Douglas County Jail. Judge James T. George set Hess’ next court appearance for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday and set his bond at $100,000.

Citing the severity of the charges, George ordered Hess to be held under house arrest if he is released on bond. George also appointed attorney Carol Cline to represent Hess.

The Lawrence Police Department arrested Hess at his home at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Shawn Gross, a spokesman for the Lawrence Police Department, said because of the nature of the crime he could not provide information about the case.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office denied the Journal-World’s request for the booking photo of Hess.