GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A Gastonia man is facing multiple charges following an investigation into alleged sexual assaults involving two minor children, authorities said Wednesday.

Michael Dwaine Heffner, 69, was arrested Tuesday and charged with nine counts of statutory sex offense and nine counts of indecent liberties with a minor, according to the Gaston County Police Department. Court records say the incidents began in 2016. The children were under the age of 13 at the time of the incidents.

Heffner was arrested on Nov. 11 through a collaborative effort between the US Marshals Carolinas Regional Fugitive Taskforce and the Gaston County Police FAST team.

Heffner is being held at the Gaston County Jail on $1 million secured bond. His next court date is Dec. 2.

Police said they would not

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