NASHUA – A local man was arrested and charged with two counts of sexually assaulting two different women and stealing items from the second woman.

James Hewes, 57, of 4 ½ Ridge St., was arrested Sunday Dec. 23 and charged with two counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault, and one count of unauthorized taking or transfer. Each of the felonies carries a term up to 20 years in prison. The theft charge carries a jail term up to one year in prison.

Police were investigating a report of sexual assault on Dec. 23 that had occurred in December of 2011. During the investigation, a second victim was located who had also been sexually assaulted during the past few weeks, police said. It was discovered that Hewes had also taken property belonging to the second victim – a misdemeanor charge.

A police press release stated that Hewes and the victims are all known to each other.

He is being held on $100,000 cash bail, pending arraignment at the 9th Circuit Nashua District Division Court.