Alan Wirkkala (Claremont Police photograph)
Alan Wirkkala (Claremont Police photograph) Credit: —

Claremont — A 51-year-old Newport man has been charged with several counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault in connection with alleged incidents that took place in the 1980s and 1990s.

Alan Wirkkala became the subject of a Claremont police investigation six months ago after a victim came forward about the alleged abuse, according to a news release. The victim was under the age of 13 when the alleged acts occurred.

The complaints allege that Wirkkala engaged in sexual contact with the victim between 1987 and 1991, the release states.

Wirkkala faces six counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault, one count of attempted aggravated felonious sexual assault and three counts of felonious sexual assault.

He has been released on bail and will appear in court next month.

Claremont Police Chief Mark Chase said on Tuesday the statute of limitations for charges related to sexual assaults of juveniles are much different than the statute of limitations for other felonies.

In a case like this one, the statute of limitations doesn’t run out until 22 years after the victim turns 18, he said.

The investigation into this case remains ongoing and more charges are anticipated, the release states.

Wirkkala’s court date is scheduled for Oct. 29.