Man, 56, accused of sexual abuse of girl younger than 16

Meridian Police arrested a 56-year-old man Tuesday on suspicion of seven counts of lewd conduct with a child younger than age 16.

Scott Hixon, of Meridian, is accused of abusing a girl, who is younger than 16, for about a year-and-a half, said Meridian Police Deputy Chief Tracy Basterrechea.

The girl told a family member about the alleged abuse and the family member then told some co-workers. The co-workers then reported it to police on June 19.

Basterrechea said Hixon was out of town when they began the investigation, but arrested him around 5 p.m. at his home when he returned to Meridian.

Hixon’s seven counts all stem from the same alleged victim, who is also from Meridian.

Each count of lewd conduct with a child younger than age 16 is punishable by up to life in prison.

This story was originally published June 28, 2017 at 3:06 PM with the headline "Man, 56, accused of sexual abuse of girl younger than 16."