A Newton Falls man appeared before a judge to face a host of felony sex offenses following a year-long investigation.

The Trumbull County grand jury handed up a 26 count indictment against Mark Edward Carnes, 54, of Maple Street Southwest.

The indictment lists two female victims. One was 13-years-old when the alleged crimes began. The other girl was 15. The prosecution says the victims reached out to Warren police to put an end to what they described as years of sexual abuse. 

Appearing restless at times, Carnes appeared before Trumbull County Common Pleas Judge Peter Kontos Friday. Carnes pleaded not guilty to five counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, 
five counts of rape, five counts of compelling prostitution and 11 counts of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material.

"If you solicit a minor or pay a minor for any type of sexual favors, that amounts to compelling prostitution," Gabe Wildman says, assistant Trumbull County prosecutor. "That's the allegation in this case, that he gave or offered to give a minor anything, money or presents in exchange for sex or sexual favors."

The two female victims in this case say the alleged crimes began for one in 2009 and the other in 2012. 

Wildman says the victims used their voices to end to this alleged activity. A tough task that can often shed light on a potential problem.

"Just got to tell somebody, you have have to tell your mom, tell your neighbor, tell your teacher," he says. "We can't do our jobs, we can't try to stop this unless we know about it."

Carnes was taken into custody Thursday by Warren police and the U.S. Marshals, after his home was raided by authorities in search of evidence. Investigators found graphic images on a cell phone.

Judge Kontos set Carnes' bond at $250,000. He's ordered to not have any contact with the victims. 

The victims' mother could also face felony charges including child endangering. Investigators are looking into whether Carnes' alleged activity was drug related.