Joseph Danniel Hill, 26, of Callender, was arrested Thursday following an interview with detectives with the Webster County Sheriff’s Office and the Webster County Attorney’s Office.

Hill is charged with three counts of second-degree sexual abuse with persons under the age of 12, Class B felonies; and five counts of child endangerment — bodily injury, Class D felonies.

The investigation was started on April 28 when a WCSO deputy was dispatched to meet with the Department of Human Services and alleged juvenile victims in Callender. Interview with the victims provided information about “a series of physical and sexual abuse,” according to a release from the WCSO. The children were removed from the residence by DHS.

Further interviews led to the execution of two search warrants — one at a residence in Callender and another in rural Webster County. Evidence and cellular devices were seized during the search.

According to court documents, the alleged abuse occurred between April 1 and May 4, and Hill had at least three victims. The physical abuse allegations include punching, slapping and choking.

Hill is being held in the Webster County Jail on a $100,000 cash bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 16.

If convicted of all eight charges, Hill faces up to 100 years in prison.

The Webster County Sheriff’s Office believes members of the public or individuals known by the involved families may have additional information, and asks that they contact the sheriff’s office or Webster County Crime Stoppers by calling 515-573-1444 or by texting “LEC” and the tip to CRIMES (274637).