(COLDWATER) – A Sturgis man is facing multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct in Branch County.

Branch County District Court records say that 49 year old Ricardo Contreras Arroyo of Sturgis was arrested September 5 by Michigan State Police following an almost ten month investigation. Arroyo is charged with two counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct with a person under the age of 13, and two counts of second degree criminal sexual conduct with a person under the age of 13.

Michigan State Police say their investigation started in December 2024 when the victims, who are now adults, contacted Troopers about having been molested by Arroyo at a home in Bronson, starting in 2005 and lasting 4 to 6 years. The two victims say that Arroyo was living in the home at the time of the alleged incidents, and that the incidents happened when their mother was either sleeping or not at home.

Court records say that Arroyo was arraigned and plead not guilty to all charges. His bond was set at $250,000 and he was ordered if released, to not have any contact with the victims.

Arroyo is scheduled to have a probable cause hearing on September 18, and a preliminary examination on September 24.