Paul E. Peterson, 40, had his initial appearance in Webster County Magistrate Court for these new charges on Friday. He is charged with:

• Three counts of second-degree sexual abuse, Class B felony

• One count of continuous sexual abuse of a child, Class B felony

• Six counts of third-degree sexual abuse, Class C felony

• Nine counts of incest, Class D felony

• One count of indecent contact with a child, aggravated misdemeanor

In May 2021, Peterson was arrested and charged with two counts of third-degree sexual abuse, three counts of incest and one count of lascivious conduct with a minor (aggravated misdemeanor). In June 2021, he was charged with an additional three counts of third-degree sexual abuse and three counts of incest, as well as two counts of child endangerment. These cases are currently scheduled to go to trial Feb. 15.

Peterson is being held on cash-only bonds totaling $757,000. He is currently being held at the Hardin County Jail. His preliminary hearing for the 20 new charges is scheduled for Jan. 17.