A 40-year-old Austin man was charged Friday for sexually molesting a toddler.

James Ray Watkins was charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim younger than 13, which allegedly happened on Feb. 28 while the mother was not home. Another young girl at the home told investigators she could hear the toddler crying through a vent.

The victim was taken to the hospital and evaluated for sexual assault.

Watkins denied sexually assaulting the child but told an investigator he spanked her, according to the court complaint.

Watkins has another court appearance set for March 14.