Marion man accused of sexually abusing young boy from 2017 through 2018

A Marion man has been charged with second degree sexual abuse for incidents allegedly occurring between January 2017 and January 2018.

Steven Lee Willard Jr., 39, of Marion has been accused of sexually abusing a child under the age of twelve in Marion.

According to the criminal complaint, officers began an investigation after a concerned citizen indicated Willard Jr. disclosed having sexual relations with a young male.

Part of the disclosure allegedly included photos and screen shots sent by Willard Jr. concerning the conduct with the child.

During the investigation, the child, now age 12, gave a forensic interview in which he described how the defendant engaged in several sex acts with him starting in 2017 and ending in January 2018.

Second degree sexual abuse is a Class B felony and punishable by a maximum sentence of 25 years.