(ALBION) – An Albion, Indiana man has been charged with child molesting, following a police investigation.

Noble County authorities say 69 year old Michael Buffenbarger has been arrested on six counts of child molesting. He is being held in the Noble County Jail on three level 1 felony charges of child molesting and three level 4 charges of child molesting.

Investigators say Buffenbarger allegedly molested two girls over a five year period, from May 2016 until May 2021. One of the girls was under the age of 5 when the alleged molesting began. The other girl was 11 or 12 at the time.

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

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