AUGUSTA – A convicted sex offender slipped by mental health workers and out of his apartment, then allegedly grabbed and kissed a 7-year-old girl before he was restrained, police said.

Darrell L. McCauley, 22, of Augusta was charged with assault and violating probation Monday, according to Augusta police. McCauley, who is being held at the Kennebec County Jail, was previously convicted of gross sexual assault and is currently on probation for assault on a police officer.

Roy Gutfinski, McCauley’s probation officer, said McCauley was being reviewed by mental health professionals, as a term of his probation, at his Stone Street apartment when he slipped out at about 3:45 p.m.

When social workers saw McCauley grab the child, they intervened and restrained him until police arrived, Gutfinski said. Augusta police Lt. Jeff Pomerleau said McCauley kissed the girl during the assault.

“Clearly, this guy has a lot of problems,” Gutfinski said. “He snuck by staff and took the opportunity to bolt.”