Barry Mervyn Lindeman, 40, Minot, is accused of sexually abusing a young girl on multiple occasions at a location in Ward County when she was as young as 10.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed with the court, Lindeman went to the Minot police station on Saturday and confessed to police. Lindeman also showed police text messages he had sent to the girl, admitting that he had abused her. He also confessed his crime to a police officer from another area police department. Lindeman confessed that he had sexually abused the girl at a location in Wells County as well.

Lindeman is charged in district court in Ward County with Class AA felony gross sexual imposition involving sexual acts performed upon a victim under the age of 15.

If he is convicted or pleads guilty to the offense, he could face a sentence of up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Lindeman made an initial appearance in court on Monday before Judge Doug Mattson. State’s Attorney Roza Larson asked for a $500,000 cash or corporate surety bond and asked that Lindeman surrender his passport and any guns to which he has access to law enforcement. Mattson also ordered Lindeman to have no contact with the alleged victim or her family members. Larson told the judge that her office is still investigating the case and Lindeman could be charged with sexual abuse of a second victim. If more information is found in the course of an investigation, Larson said her office could also amend the charge so a minimum mandatory sentence would be required in the event of a conviction.

A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for Jan. 16.