NATCHEZ — A Natchez businessman often involved in community events was charged Friday afternoon in connection with the recently reported repeated sexual assault of a 16-year-old male.

Adams County Sheriff Chuck Mayfield said James Wesley Forde, 43, 801 Myrtle Ave., was charged Friday with nine counts of sexual battery.

Mayfield said the assault was initially reported to the sheriff’s office and later to the Natchez Police Department. The victim’s mother reported the alleged assault to NPD on March 20.

According to the police report, the assaults allegedly took place over the course of nearly two years — from May 2010 until February — at the suspect’s business, in the suspect’s car and at the Natchez Little Theatre.

Forde operates The Forde Line, a men’s clothing store in downtown Natchez.

He has also performed in a number of Natchez Little Theatre productions in recent years.

The report states that the teen had been sent to a treatment center in January for suicidal behavior and trauma suffered after the assault, which the teen disclosed to his mother shortly before the report was filed.

Mayfield declined to comment on the time frame and locations of the reported assault or any other details, he said, because the case involves a juvenile.

Mayfield said no other arrests will be made in the case.

“Our investigation is over,” he said.

Forde is being held without bond until his arraignment, which Mayfield said will likely be Monday.