A Richmond County Superior Court judge set bond today for a former sheriff’s deputy accused of molesting a 14-year-old girl.

Lindon Avery Haworth, 48, of the 700 block of Bennock Mill Road, appeared before Judge Carlisle Overstreet for the first time since his arrest Tuesday.

Because Mr. Haworth had avoided contact with the child and her family since the investigation began more than a year ago, Judge Overstreet granted a bond of $75,000 for his release.

Mr. Haworth has been under investigation since June 2007, when the family of the child told police he had kissed her on the mouth while they watched a movie at his home.

Chief Solicitor General P.J. Campanaro told the judge that the defendant had admitted to having the victim in his bedroom and kissing her on the forehead but not the mouth.

Mr. Haworth, who was fired Wednesday, had worked at the sheriff’s department since 1995. He had been suspended without pay since the investigation began.