Narberth, Pa. ? A longtime cantor at one of the nation’s largest and most prominent Reform synagogues surrendered to authorities Friday to face charges he sexually abused his nephew.

Howard Nevison, 61, of Congregation Emanu-El in New York City, was arrested Feb. 20. He and his attorney had said they would fight extradition to Pennsylvania.

Police in Lower Merion, a Philadelphia suburb, charged Nevison with sexually assaulting his nephew between 1993 and 1997 while the boy was 3 to 7 years old.

Nevison had been free on $100,000 bail, set by a New York judge. At a hearing Friday, District Justice Henry J. Shireson set bail at $250,000.

Nevison posted 10 percent of the sum and was released. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for next Friday.

If convicted on all counts, he could face up to 55 years in prison.

Nevison has been the cantor at the Manhattan temple, whose 3,000 families include several prominent New York families, since 1978. A cantor leads a congregation in song, while the rabbi is the spiritual leader. In April 1994, he became the first cantor to sing at the Vatican.