Police: Laurel man arrested for repeated sex abuse

A Laurel man is facing multiple charges following an investigation into repeated sexual abuse, police announced Saturday.

Joel Sanchez-Melendez, 26, was arrested Friday and charged with five counts of 1st degree rape, one count of continuous sexual abuse of a child, and one count of endangering the welfare of a child.  

Given the sensitive nature of the case, few details are known at this time; however, PFC Christopher Story of the Laurel Police Department tells 47 ABC the investigation began last week.

According to PFC Story, a separate investigation involving Sanchez-Melendez resulted in the recent sexual abuse investigation.

"One bled over into the other," PFC Story explained via email.

Sanchez-Melendez was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution in default of a $271,000 cash bond.