ATHENS — An Athens-Clarke County police officer was arrested Tuesday for allegedly sexually assaulting a juvenile several years ago.

The Athens Banner Herald is reporting the alleged victim came forward with his allegations against Senior Police Officer Kristin Matthew “Kris” Ward last month, at which time the 26-year-old officer was suspended with pay. Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Carter Greene said an internal affairs investigation was subsequently launched in which it was determined Ward violated his oath of office and other departmental directives. Ward’s termination as a police officer and county employee takes effect Thursday, according to Greene.

“We’re just very disappointed in Kris’ actions, but when an officer does wrong we will address it and take the appropriate action,” Greene said.

The police chief referred the criminal matter to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which on Tuesday arrested Ward on charges of child molestation, aggravated sexual battery and violation of oath of office. Ward had a hearing in Athens-Clarke County Magistrate Court later in the day, during which a judge told him she did not have authority to set bond due to the severity of the charges and referred the case to Superior Court. Ward was returned to the Clarke County Jail.

Authorities on Tuesday declined to discuss the allegations against Ward.

Defense attorney Morris Wiltshire said Ward told him the allegations were baseless.

“His side is he’s absolutely innocent and he’s eager to establish that he’s not guilty of these charges.” Wiltshire said. “Kris is devastated anyone would say these things about him.”

The attorney said the criminal charges appeared to be based solely on the alleged victim’s allegations.

“Since the GBI did not ask for buccal swabs from Kris, DNA certainly is not a part of their investigation,” Wiltshire said. “That leads me to believe they don’t have any physical evidence.”

According to arrest warrants, the alleged victim was under 16 years old when he allegedly was assaulted between September 2010 and November 2011 at a location on Westchester Drive. The alleged victim was said at the time to be a cadet with the Civil Air Patrol, a U.S. Air Force auxiliary, and Ward was commander of the unit based at Athens-Ben Epps Airport. Cadets are between 12-16 years old. Ward is a deputy commander for the Civil Air Patrol in Barrow County.

Ward’s career in law enforcement began in 2007, when he worked as a communications officer for the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office. He was hired by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department in 2009 and rose to the rank of senior police officer.

Greene said Ward is being terminated from the police force for violations of department directives that include conduct unbecoming an officer, loyalty and integrity, truthfulness, and law enforcement code of conduct.