Hilton Head man charged with criminal sexual conduct

A 38-year-old Hilton Head Island man was charged with second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor after a 16-year-old relative accused him of abusing her over a five-month span, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office.

Fernando Gonzalez was arrested Wednesday after an investigation that began June 7, a Sheriff's Office report said.

The girl told investigators that Gonzalez began sexually abusing her on New Year's Eve and that similar incidents occurred through May 12, the report said.

Gonzalez is in the Beaufort County Detention Center, the jail log said. His bond is $75,000.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is investigating his immigration status.