By Trey Mewes, Austin Daily Herald

AUSTIN — A 22-year-old Albert Lea man accused of sexually abusing a boy younger than 13 pleaded not guilty to related charges Thursday in Mower County court.

Roger Conner faces one first-degree and one second-degree criminal sexual conduct charge in Mower County District Court.

According to a court complaint, Conner allegedly abused a boy over a period of two years from 2011 to 2013. The victim’s mother and sister reported the abuse to the police last month.

The mother allegedly told police the victim would allegedly get “night terrors” at the same time many nights, which could have been when the abuse took place.

Conner’s next court appearance is set for April. His bail is set at $250,000.

If found guilty, Conner could face at least 12 years in prison.