ASHLAND, Va. (WTVR)--Prosecutors tell CBS 6 that 52-year-old Todd Attkisson began an inappropriate relationship with the girl when she was just 14, and that they first learned of the allegations in 2010.
He faces nine felony counts of taking indecent liberties with a minor. CBS 6 Shelby Brown investigated why they waited until now to file charges.
Initially the prosecutor says the alleged victim didn't cooperate with detectives, but now it’s a different story.
Attkisson is known by many in Hanover, he is the president and CEO of Ashland Roller Mills.
Neighboring business owners there and people who live in his North Woods community expressed shock, declined to speak on camera, but did say Attkisson has a good family and has been an upstanding neighbor.
Court documents show Attkisson and the girl, who is now 19-years-old were physically involved between November 2008 and January 2011.
Commonwealth Attorney Shannon Taylor confirmed the girl's statements corroborate documented text messages and other social media activity.
Attkisson has no criminal record and his father, former Ashland mayor Linwood Attkisson spoke on his behalf in court today.
He told the judge his son has four children and has been active in his church for more than 30 years.
While out on bond a judge has ordered Attkisson to avoid contact with any minor with the exception of his kids. He must wear a GPS monitoring device and can't have any firearms in his possession.
CBS 6 reached out to Attkisson through his attorney, but he declined to comment.
