Police say Marion man sexually abused young girl dozens of times

A Marion man told investigators he sexually abused a young girl approximately 50 times, according to court documents.

Aaron M. Winebrenner, 19, of 761 Eighth St., has been charged with three counts of second-degree sexual abuse. He is accused of repeatedly abusing a young girl over a period of eight years until June 30, 2011, according to a criminal complaint. The girl, now 11, was four years old when the abuse began.

Police said Winebrenner abused the victim, who is a family member, at an apartment on Vasey Avenue in Marion. Investigators first learned of the abuse Nov. 21 and arrested Winebrenner on Tuesday.

"When questioned, the defendant admitted the offenses and estimated he engaged in sex with the victim approximately 50 times," according to the complaint.

Winebrenner was taken to the Linn County Jail, and his bond was set at $105,000. His initial court appearance was set for Dec. 9.