UTICA — A Utica man is accused of sexually abusing two teenage girls in the city, according to the New York State Police.

Troopers said Tyreek D. James, 31, sexually abused the two girls — both under the age of 17 — in Utica between 2018 and 2021. The authorities were notified in March 2022, leading to an investigation. 

Evidence in the case was presented to a grand jury and troopers said James was indicted in December on one count each of first, second and third-degree sexual abuse, and one count of third-degree criminal sexual act. 

An indictment is a formal charge made against a person by a grand jury. It does not establish guilt or remove the presumption of innocence. 

After the indictment was issued, authorities said a warrant was issued for James. He was located and taken into custody on Wednesday. He is scheduled to appear in Oneida County Court. 

The victims have been offered counseling through the Oneida County Child Advocacy Center.