KENAI -- A Coast Guard second-class petty officer is facing charges of sexually abusing a boy.

The Peninsula Clarion says 31-year-old John Blackman Jr. paid a $2,500 performance bond and remains out of custody.

Soldotna police officers investigated the allegations of abuse after receiving a March 4 call from the child's mother. Court records indicate bruising on the boy's neck, arms, back, legs and genitals.

The 4-year-old boy was taken to a registered sexual assault nurse examiner in Kenai who indicated the injuries were severe and would require follow-up from a medical doctor.

Blackman had periodic contact with the boy and his mother at their Soldotna home.

-- Associated Press