HARRISVILLE, Pa. -- Jason Hites, 26, has been charged with sex crimes against his girlfriend's 8-year-old daughter.

Police said some acts happened in his Harrisville home. They believe the crimes started when the girl was just 4 years old and happened until just last week when she told an adult.

"The victim told relatives. She tried to come forward before, and the mom didn't believe the allegations," said Trooper Ron Kesten of Pennsylvania State Police.

According to the criminal complaint, the girl's mom knew Hites was a sex offender and forgave him for it.

When interviewed, the child told police, "Jason did bad things to me. Jason said not to tell anyone. He said that every time." Police also said the girl told them that she had asked Hites, "Why do you keep doing this to me?" According to police, Hites responded, "I don't know."

"If the little girl had trouble, it's a shame. Yes, I did know a registered sex offender lived there," said neighbor Francis Stewart.

Channel 11 didn't talk to the suspect's brother on camera, but he said he doesn't believe the charges.

Hites was convicted in 2001 of aggravated indecent assault on someone under the age of 13.