The Pella Police Department has concluded a week-long investigation into possible sexual abuse by a juvenile involving two victims under the age of twelve.

The unidentified 17-year-old male from Pella has been charged with 2nd degree sexual abuse, a class B felony, and assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, an aggravated misdemeanor.

Police say the accused sexually assaulted a male and female minor–both of whom are younger than 12 years old, earlier this year.

Officers took the juvenile into custody Wednesday afternoon. He’s made an initial appearance in Marion County District Court, and the case currently resides in adult court.

Under Iowa law a prosecutor has to try juveniles as adults, including the felony above. Should the defendant be tried and convicted as an adult he faces the following penalties:

Conviction for a class B felony carries a period of confinement of up to 25 years, with a “mandatory minimum” sentence of 17.5 years in prison.

Conviction for an Aggravated Misdemeanor carries a period of confinement of up to five (5) years and a fine of $750 to $7,500.

Convictions of certain sex offenses, including crimes against a minor, may carry a requirement for the accused to register as a sex offender.