FERGUS FALLS — A Mille Lacs County sheriff’s deputy who allegedly had sexual contact with several children faces eight felony charges. He is being held in the Otter Tail County Jail.

Aaron Joseph Heuer, 29, of Isle was charged in Otter Tail County District Court with four felony counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and four felony counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. His first court appearance was Tuesday.

According to a news release from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s preliminary investigation identified incidents at two locations in June 2013. According to the criminal complaint, the first incidents allegedly occurred when Heuer was volunteering as a fishing guide at Lutheran Island Camp in Henning. Heuer allegedly inappropriately touched the four male victims, ages 8 to 10, and instructed them to have sexual contact with him.

Additional incidents allegedly occurred with two of the victims on a separate fishing trip, unrelated to the camp, in Aitkin County. Investigators believe Heuer knew all of the victims prior to the incidents.

Heuer was placed on administrative leave from the Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office. He’s been with the sheriff’s office there for six years.

BCA agents are conducting the investigation with the assistance of the Mille Lacs, Otter Tail and Aitkin county sheriff’s offices, and the Aitkin County Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by the Otter Tail County Attorney’s Office.

Heuer’s next court appearance in Otter Tail County District Court is scheduled for Aug. 5.