ARROWSIC — An Arrowsic man faces 45 counts of unlawful sexual contact and gross sexual assault with two children under the age of 14 following his  arrest by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

Lt. Michael Murphy, Special Services Supervisor for the Sheriff’s Office, today identified the alleged offender as Michael Cassell, 61, of Arrowsic.

Police investigators allege the incidents took place over the last 18 months in the midcoast towns of Arrowsic and Boothbay.

Murphy said Cassell was arrested Nov. 16 by Det. Sgt. Kenneth Hatch and charged with 44 counts of unlawful sexual contact. He later posted a $50,000 single surety bail. Cassell was then arrested on Dec. 8 and charged with gross sexual assault, involving the same victims.

The additional charges are based on new information and evidence that was gathered as the investigation continued. Cassell posted a $25,000 single surety bail on the new charges.

The case will now be presented to the Lincoln County grand jury. Det. Sgt. John Byrne of the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Department assisted Hatch with the investigation.