An Ironton man is behind bars after he was arrested on a rape charge early Wednesday morning.

Luke Prince, 27, was taken into custody after the mother of an 8-year-old girl told authorities that Prince allegedly had sexual conduct with her daughter.

Ironton Police detective Jim Carey said Prince was taken to the Jackson County Jail and is scheduled to appear in Ironton Municipal Court today for arraignment.

Prince was employed by the city as dog warden on an as-needed basis in October 2003. Major John Elam said he had only recently been informed of the matter and wanted to speak further with Police Chief Bill Garland before making any comment.

Prince was employed as a Hanging Rock police Officer from June 2000 until March 2003 and as a Coal Grove police officer prior to that.