The felony sexual abuse charges brought against City of Falls Church resident and community activist Michael Gardner will now be combined into one trial.

Gardner is accused of sexually assaulting three girls, ages 9 and 10, while they attended sleepovers at his home. Gardner faces three charges – two felony acts of aggravated sexual battery and one act of object sexual penetration. While those charges could have been taken to court separately, the Commonwealth of Virginia put forth a motion to have the three cases tried together. That motion was granted yesterday.

The trial will begin Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m. at the Arlington County Courthouse.