ALEXANDRIA — An 18-year-old Anderson man could face multiple counts of child molestation for allegedly having sex with 12- and 13-year-old girls.

Alexandria police arrested James M. Keeton Wednesday afternoon at the Alexandria Police Department on suspicion of two counts of child molestation, both Class B felonies punishable by six to 20 years in prison.

According to a probable cause affidavit:

The 12-year-old Alexandria girl told detectives the first time she had sex with Keeton was in her bedroom on April 24. She said she, Keeton and the other girl were in her bedroom listening to music when Keeton began trying to pull her pants down. The girl said at first she resisted, but Keeton persisted and the 13-year-old said told the other girl she should have sex with him. Keeton and the 12-year-old had sex four more times since the first incident, she told police.

The 13-year-old Summitville girl told officers she, too, had sex with Keeton at least five times, beginning in mid-April.

Keeton’s ex-girlfriend discovered he was having sex with the girls and confronted the 13-year-old about the allegations. Neighbors overheard the two arguing outdoors and notified the 12-year-old’s parents. During questioning, Keeton admitted to having sex with both girls several times, including once with both girls at the same time.

Keeton made an initial court appearance Wednesday, but Madison County Magistrate Stephen Clase approved a request from prosecutors for an extra three days to file formal charges. Keeton was being held in jail on $20,000 bond late Wednesday.