LEWISTON – A city firefighter arrested on rape charges Thursday was placed on administrative leave a day later.

Donald Lagrange, 54, of 22 Baril St., was placed on leave with pay after the fire chief and city administrator met with him to discuss the matter.

Lagrange, a 31-year veteran of the force, was arrested by Auburn police on three counts of gross sexual assault. He is accused of sexually abusing a young girl over a period of years in the 1990s.

Lagrange on Friday remained free on bail. The case against him remained under investigation.