LIBERTY — A Liberty man, who is also known to have lived in Waldoboro, was arrested April 10 on two counts of sexually abusing a minor in 2012.

Earl Leathers, 27, is accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a juvenile female, who was 14 years old at the time of the offenses, according to police.

Waldo County Sheriff’s Detective Merl Reed spoke with the victim in November 2013 regarding a complaint received about her relationship with Leathers, according to an affidavit filed in Waldo County Superior Court. Two incidents involving Leathers and the juvenile allegedly happened in Belfast City Park.

During the course of the conversation, the victim allegedly told Reed that Leathers had been a frequent visitor to the home she shared with her mother, who eventually grew uncomfortable enough with their interactions to alert authorities.

The victim recounted how conversations between she and Leathers became increasingly sexual before becoming physical in May 2012. According to the affidavit, Reed eventually arranged to have the victim contact Leathers via mobile phone, and Leathers allegedly responded by sending an explicit text and photo to the victim.

Following his arrest, Leathers was released from custody April 11 after posting $500 bail. Conditions of his bail include that he not have contact the victim, or any females under age 16.

Leathers is scheduled to appear in Waldo County Superior Court Tuesday, May 29.

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com