A 24-year-old man was ordered held on high bail at his district court arraignment today on charges that he raped a friend’s seven-year-old child multiple times over the past six months, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley announced.

ERIK ROLDAN (D.O.B. 1/19/86), who has an address in East Boston, but is believed to be living with a family member in Allston, was arraigned in Brighton District Court today on three counts of forcible rape of a child, and two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under the age of 14. Brighton District Court Judge David T. Donnelly ordered the defendant held on $100,000 cash bail and that he stay away from and have no contact with the victim or her family. The defendant, who is hearing-impaired, pleaded not guilty through an interpreter.

Roldan was arrested yesterday by the Boston Police Fugitive and Apprehension Unit.

“The allegations against this defendant are among the worst crimes that an adult can perpetrate on a child,” Conley said. “The young victim in this case is very brave for coming forward and disclosing the assaults to a trusted adult and to authorities.”

During the course of an investigation led by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the Boston Police Sexual Assault Unit, investigators developed information that Roldan became acquainted with the father of the victim through his attendance at religious services at a Brighton church and a bible study group.

Roldan would occasionally visit the victim’s home to visit with her father, and it was during some of these visits, when his friend was not home, that the alleged sexual assaults took place.

The victim disclosed the assaults earlier this month to a family member, who reported the incidents to Boston Police.

Roldan was represented by attorney Edward Wayland. He is expected to return to court on September 15.