Editor's note: This version redacts information that could be used to identify the victim.

State police have arrested an East Haddam man following allegations that he inappropriately touched a local 17-year-old girl in October. 

Anthony G. Berner, 45, of East Haddam was charged Feb. 9 in Westbrook with sale or delivery of alcohol to a minor, drinking while driving and fourth-degree sexual assault.

According to an arrest warrant affidavit written by Trooper First Class Gary W. Inglis from Troop F in Westbrook, Berner is a friend of the victim's family.

The victim alleged that Berner, after picking her up at an equine facility around 6 p.m. on Oct. 30, took her to dinner in East Hampton and then to go four-wheeling along the Salmon River.

While en route to Salmon River, the victim told Inglis, Berner allegedly grabbed two Bud Light cans from the backseat of his truck and offered her one, which she drank.

She told Inglis she had about four more beers in the one to two hours she and Berner spent four-wheeling.

After that, the victim said, Berner drove her to his friends' house in East Haddam, which she entered with a beer in hand.

She estimated she had two beers in addition to that one while at Berner's friends' house, where they stayed for about an hour and a half.

While returning to her home, the victim said, she was "really intoxicated" and closed her eyes.

At some point, she said, Berner allegedly began rubbing her left shoulder area with his right hand and inappropriately touched her.

When interviewed by Inglis, Berner confirmed that he took the victim to dinner, to the Salmon River and to his friends' house.

He said she probably had about three beers the whole night and told Inglis that the victim "is not the kind of person you say no to," according to the affidavit.

He denied touching her inappropriately, but said he did pull over at one point on the way to the victim's house to give the victim a massage because she said her back hurt.

In a Nov. 1 text to the victim, Berner apologized and said he "never wanted to hurt you or do anything that would make you uncomfortable or upset," according to the affidavit.

Police said Berner turned himself in upon learning there was a warrant out for his arrest.

Berner, who's been released from custody, is scheduled to appear in New London Superior Court on Tuesday.

l.boyle@theday.com

Twitter: @LindsayABoyle