A Fitchburg man was released on bond after being charged with drugging and sexually assaulting a child.
Ricky A. Nelson, 56, is charged with first-degree sexual assault, exposing himself and administering dangerous drugs.
According to the criminal complaint, Nelson gave a 7-year-old girl pills and made her drink beer.
The girl’s mother found her naked and staggering around in Nelson’s apartment last month.
Nelson has denied the allegations. He is due back in court next month.