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.”

According to the felony complaint filed by authorities, Fowlston lost control at some point during the incident and grabbed the woman, ripping her shirt, covering her mouth and sexually molesting her. Dunshee also said that during the struggle, Fowlston kept her from leaving the residence.