An 82 year old man is lodged in the Etowah County Jail – charged with Sodomy 1st Degree, Sexual Abuse 1st Degree and Aggravated Child Abuse.

Bobby Wallis Copeland, who according to court records currently resides in Mississippi but had previously lived in Etowah County, Alabama, stands accused of sexually abusing a then-thirteen year old male neighbor in the Southside area between the years of 1982 and 1984.

Sheriff Jonathon Horton states Copeland faces similar charges in Lee and Cleburne counties – adding that there are an estimated 10 victims at this time.  Copeland was indicted in June in Cleburne County and arrested later that month.  He was released from jail in that case on $50,000 bond.

Horton said since Copeland’s arrest in Etowah County, investigators have been made aware of multiple other possible victims. The investigation is on-going and anyone with additional information is urged to call authorities at (256) 549-2183.

Copeland is being held in the Etowah County Jail on bonds totaling $140,000.

(AL.COM/www.al.com)