UPDATE 11/21/12 @ 11:05 a.m.
GALLIPOLIS, Ohio (WSAZ) -- The man charged with raping a nine-year-old girl was back in court Wednesday morning.

Families from both sides filled Gallipolis Municipal Court for Stephen Bush’s preliminary hearing.

Bush, 63, of Gallipolis, Ohio is charged with one count of rape.

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office says the alleged rape happened some time between August and September and that Bush a trusted friend of this young victim's family.

Following testimony from an investigator with Ohio BCI, Judge Margaret Evans would probable cause to send the case to a grand jury.

He is currently being held in the Gallia County Jail.

According to a release from Attorney General Mike DeWine, Stephen Bush, 63, of Gallipolis, Ohio, was arrested Thursday night. He was charged with one count of rape.

The alleged rape happened some time between August and September, according to the release.

"This suspect was a trusted friend of this young victim's family and he is accused of violating her in one of the worst ways possible," said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine.

The Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) agents started investigating the allegations in October at the request of Gallia County Sheriff Joe Browning.

"Crimes like this strike at the very heart of a community, and the safety of our children must come first and foremost in law enforcement," said Sheriff Browning.

Agents questioned Bush for several hours Thursday before his arrest Thursday night. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are possible.

Bush is currently being held in the Gallia County Jail.