A Cornelia man was arrested Friday, Oct. 5, for alleged sexual abuse of two victims.

Michael Daniel Haynes, 39, currently faces charges of aggravated child molestation, child molestation, aggravated sodomy and sexual battery, after he allegedly engaged in sexual acts with two females under the age of 16.

“We received a referral [from] the school [system] of alleged sex abuse and we also received a call from DFCS (Department of Family and Children Services),” said Investigator Heidi Venable, with the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit, adding a school counselor had reported the case to the Habersham County Board of Education Police Department.

“The referral usually comes from the counselor and they report it to the board of education police and then they call us,” Venable said.

The report was received early Friday, Venable said, the same day Haynes was arrested.

“We got the referral, took the children [into protective custody] where they were interviewed, [and] there was a disclosure made,” Venable said.

Medical and forensic interviews were conducted, which according to Venable, gave authorities enough probable cause to warrant an arrest. According to the victims’ disclosures and information collected, investigators are confident Haynes has abused others.

“There’s more than one victim, and possibly in this case, even more than that, but investigations are going to continue for a while,” Venable said. Investigators remain uncertain whether or not Haynes has been arrested on similar charges before.

“[We] have not taken a look at his background yet,” Venable said. “That will be done, though.” Haynes will likely face additional charges, Venable said.

“He has more charges pending,” Venable said. “There will definitely be more charges…”

Those with information pertaining to the case are encouraged to contact Venable at 706-968-2401.