Ryan Cardman
 / FOX21: file photo
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Court documents in the case of a man accused of sexually assaulting a girl six years ago state officers got his confession through Facebook when he thought he was talking to his victim.
Colorado Springs Police officers began the investigation in 2011 after learning a then 7-year-old girl had potentially been sexually assaulted in 2007. The girl, now 13 years old, told officers in November that 27-year-old Ryan Cardman had made sexual contact with her several times while babysitting her.
Cardman had a personal connection with the family.
An officer created a fake Facebook profile using the girl's information and "friended" Cardman. He then sent Cardman messages about the physical contact, and Cardman responded, admitting to the contact while thinking he was talking with the girl.
He later deleted his account when the fake girl's account asked for an apology.
Officers got warrants for Cardman's Facebook, Google mail and IP addresses, then got a warrant for his house last week.
Cardman was arrested Wednesday and charged with sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust and possession of a weapon by a previous offender after officers found a gun in the bedroom.
Cardman said there are no other victims.