LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — A man who served as a Lancaster County Bible class instructor has been charged with sexually abusing a former student more than a dozen times, according to State Police.

Michael Hess, 49, of Quarryville, is accused of sexually assaulting a female student when she was around the age of seven, between 30-36 times, according to the charges from State Police at Lancaster.

Hess was an instructor for the Awana Bible study class at the New Providence Church of God in Providence Township when the alleged sex crimes happened, a criminal complaint states.

According to Troopers, the investigation began Monday when the victim reported to them that she was allegedly sexually assaulted when she was younger.

While the class was going on, the victim alleged Hess had her sit on his lap and put his hand in her pants, Troopers said in the complaint.

In an interview with State Police, Hess stated he would intentionally seat the child in the corner of a church pew in a sanctuary while class was going on, and he would sit next to her to conceal her, the complaint reads.

Hess allegedly admitted to sexually assaulting her, and said that it happened about two times, however, when it was brought up that Troopers were told he did it at least 30 times, he said it was “highly possible” the victim was right, the charges show.

Hess faces multiple felony charges of aggravated indecent assault of a child, unlawful contact with a minor – sexual offenses, aggravated indecent assault, and corruption of minors. He also faces misdemeanor charges of indecent assault of a person less than 13 years of age and indecent assault without the consent of another person.

Hess is currently out on unsecured bail set at $75,000 and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Oct. 7.