An Albert Lea man has been charged with a dozen counts of criminal sexual conduct after allegedly sexually abusing two girls.

Hector Guerrero, 54, had his first appearance in Freeborn County District Court Friday on six counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and six counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Freeborn County District Court Judge Ross Leuning set conditional bail for Guerrero at $5,000.

Peggy Rockow — who appeared on Guerrero’s behalf — claimed Guerrero was innocent, noting she thinks Guerrero has made himself available for court proceedings and has kept in contact with her. She said Guerrero is not a threat to public safety.

The alleged incidents reportedly happened between August 2007 and March 2015.

One of the alleged victims was 11 years old when the alleged incidents began. The other alleged victim was 14 years old during the alleged incidents.

Guerrero was reportedly known to the alleged victims.

He is accused of drugging one of his alleged victims at least once.

His next court appearance is scheduled for June 16.

First-degree criminal sexual conduct carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $40,000 fine. Second-degree criminal sexual conduct carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison and a $35,000 fine.