ALBION, IN - An Albion man has been charged with child molesting following a police investigation.

Authorities have arrested 69 year old Michael S. Buffenbarger of Albion on a warrant charging him with six counts of child molesting. Buffenbarger was booked into the Noble County jail on three accounts of child molesting as a level 1 felony, and three accounts of child molesting as a level 4 felony.

According to court documents, Buffenbarger allegedly molested two girls over a five year span which began in May 2016 and continued through May 2021. One of the girls was under the age of five when the alleged molesting began. The second alleged victim was eleven or twelve in May 2016.

Buffenbarger allegedly admitted to molesting the younger victim but told police he never touched the older victim.

A level 1 felony carries a potential penalty of 20-40 years in prison if convicted. The sentencing for a level 4 felony is 2 to 12 years in prison.