Police in Okinawa Prefecture arrested a 38-year-old U.S. Marine on Feb. 11 on suspicion of raping a 14-year-old local girl, sparking protests from central and local government officials against the United States and its military.

The suspect has been identified as Tyrone Hadnott, a staff sergeant who belongs to the Camp Courtney base in Okinawa. He has denied raping the girl, saying he only forced her down and kissed her, the police said.