NORWICH –The Norwich Police charged a city resident with a number of crimes Friday after he allegedly assaulted and sexually accosted a social worker sent to visit his children.

Officers arrested 26-year-old Shawn Fowlston of 58 Birdsall St., Norwich, Friday afternoon and charged him with first degree sexual abuse, a D class felony, forcible touching, second degree unlawful imprisonment, third degree assault and fourth degree criminal mischief, misdemeanors.

Appearing briefly in Norwich City Court Tuesday, Fowlston waived his right to a felony hearing and is now scheduled to go before a Chenango County grand jury.

First Assistant District Attorney Stephen M. Dunshee said the victim in the case was a “social worker visiting the defendant’s home to meet with his children.”

Dunshee explained the victim was working for a local organization and was scheduled to meet with the defendant’s four and six year-old children in relation to a school program. During the visit, Dunshee claims Fowlston, who is married, engaged the victim in “suggestive conversation.”