A Limestone County man accused of sexually abusing a girl over several years is standing trial this week in Limestone County Circuit Court.

Jury selection and the prosecution’s opening arguments were held Monday in the trial of William Wesley Bryant Jr., 65, of 22315 New Garden Road, Elkmont. Testimony began Tuesday morning.

Bryant was first arrested Sept. 17, 2015, on one count of sexual abuse of a child under age 12. A Limestone County grand jury later formally charged him with one count of first-degree sodomy and three counts of sexual abuse of a child under age 12, records show.

An 11-year-old girl told a school official in 2015 she was being abused, an official said at the time of his initial arrest. The girl said the abuse had occurred on multiple occasions over the past seven years, according to court records. The school counselor notified the Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Human Resources.

The prosecution gave its opening statement Monday following jury selection. The defense waived its opening statement.

First-degree sodomy is a Class A felony punishable upon conviction by 10 to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $60,000.

Sex abuse of a child under age 12 is a Class B felony punishable by two to 20 years in jail and a fine of up to $30,000.