A Brunswick man was arrested for gross sexual assault Monday after the Sagadahoc County Sheriff ’s Department investigated a claim that he sexually abused children at a Bowdoinham residence in 2000.

Leslie Richard Grant, 46, of 4 1/2 Dunning St., Brunswick, was arrested at around 2 p.m. Monday on a warrant and charged with one count of gross sexual assault against a child under the age of 14, a Class A crime. Following his arrest he was taken to Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset.

According to a press release issued by the Sagadahoc County Sheriff ’s Department on Wednesday, their office received a referral from the Sagadahoc County District Attorney’s Office alleging that Grant had sexually abused children at a Bowdoinham residence during 2000. The resulting investigation revealed that Grant “had gained the trust of a family whereupon he was able to have access to their children at the residence. The allegations of sexual abuse were verified and an arrest warrant was issued.”

The release states that Grant, who also is known as Levi Grant, is a registered sex offender since he was convicted of a similar incident in Lisbon in 2004.

“The ongoing investigation indicates the possibility of further victims, in other communities, and further charges may be pending,” the release states.

Grant’s bail was set at $10,000 but, according to the sheriff ’s department, was increased to $50,000 cash at his initial appearance in West Bath District Court on Wednesday.