LAKEWOOD, Wash. - A Level 3 repeat sex offender sits behind bars, accused of molesting a five-year-old girl at a public library in Lakewood. 

Lakewood police say Robert Alton January, 42, allegedly grabbed the girl in the children's section of the Pierce County Public Library in Lakewood and sexually assaulted her.

Police say both the girl and her mother are still reeling from the attack, which reportedly happened when the girl's mother was nearby. The mother was at a bank of computers when the girl came out of the children's area saying a man put his hands down her pants and kissed her. The girl's mother immediately called 911. 

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The mother's description identified the suspect as Robert Alton January, a repeat sex offender who's been convicted in some cases for molesting kids.

"I am sure she was right there and thought, 'I'm gonna zip over there real quick.' Her child was reading a book or doing a puzzle. It does surprise me," said Anne Ellison, library patron.

The mother's description identified the suspect as Robert Alton January, a sex offender who's been convicted several times, in some cases for molesting kids. Police used the mother's suspect description to arrest January shortly after they got the 911 call. 

"I am glad were able to catch him and arrest him right away," said Lt. Dave Guttu, Lakewood Police. 

Prosecutors called January a danger to the community when they charged him with one count of child molestation at a hearing Monday. January pleaded not guilty. Library officials are relieved he's in custody and are now trying to put parents at ease. 

"Certainly this is a very isolated incident. My children alone grew up in the Pierce County Library System, a very friendly, fun place to be," said Mary Getchell, Pierce County Library in Lakewood spokeswoman.

The case is remarkably similar to January's conviction for putting his hands down the pants of a 4-year-old in Tacoma five years ago.  He just got off of supervision for that crime about a month ago. 

January is being held on a million dollars bail. If convicted, he could be sentenced up to 25 years.