SOUTH POINT —

A 75-year-old man was arrested late last week and charged with rape and gross sexual imposition in connection with the abuse of two young girls.

Bruce D. Martz, 75, who lists two addresses, including one in Ashland, Ky., was arrested Friday by Lawrence County Sheriff’s deputies.

“As a result of the investigation we have determined there is more than one victim and there may be more than two,” Sheriff Tim Sexton said. “The investigation is in its early stages. This certainly is a serious crime and we are treating it as such.”

Both of the alleged victims are under the age of 13.

Authorities say the incident took place in the South Point area within the last week.

Martz was arraigned Monday in Lawrence County Municipal Court. Judge Donald Capper set a $200,000

bond and scheduled a

July 23 preliminary hearing.

The Ironton Tribune does not publish the names of victims of sex crimes or alleged victims of sex crimes.