A Pike County man has been arrested after being indicted on charges relating to the sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12.

Alexander Cole, 27, was arrested Monday after being served the indictments on charges of first-degree sodomy, sexual abuse of a child less than 12 and enticing a child.

Assistant District Attorney Jon Folmar said this is an instance of “delayed reporting” in which the child was under 12 at the time of the alleged charges and then reported the crimes at a later age.

“First-degree sodomy is a Class A Felony punishable by 99 years to life in prison,” Folmar said. “Because the child was under the age of 12 at the time, there is no possibility of a split sentence if convicted and the sentence must be served day for day. It’s a very serious allegation and a very serious crime.”

Folmar said the alleged crimes occurred across a “period of time.” No more information could be given about the case due to its sensitive nature.

Sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12 and enticing a child are both Class C Felonies punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison.