WATERVILLE (AP) – A Waterville youth honored this year for his leadership skills and exemplary character has been arrested and charged with gross sexual assault involving a 6-year-old boy.

Mark Allen Desisles, 18, was accused of forcing the boy to engage in oral sex at the boy’s home.

“He admits to one occasion, but the boy says it happened every time he baby-sat him,” Waterville police Detective Daniel Goss told the Morning Sentinel on Tuesday.

Delisles, the most recent recipient of the Youth of the Year Award given by the Waterville Area Boys & Girls Club/YMCA, was released from custody on his own recognizance and ordered to avoid contact with children under 14 who are not family members. He is scheduled to appear in District Court on Oct. 1.

The incident for which Desisles is charged allegedly occurred on or about July 24 in the city’s North End section. The alleged victim reportedly told a family member about the incident, who then reported it to police.

Delisles was chosen in April as student of the year from among hundreds of youngsters 14 to 18. He was selected for his exemplary character, superior leadership skills, academic achievement and outstanding service to the local club.

Desisles received the award on stage with Gov. John Baldacci and other dignitaries in May at the Alfond Youth Center.

Officials at the center had described Desisles as a boy the staff could always count on to mentor a child, shovel a snowy walkway or lend a hand in the Kids Kitchen at the center.

“It deflates you,” said Kenneth Walsh, the center’s chief executive, after hearing of Desisles’ arrest. “It deflates all the efforts, all your attitude about what could be.”

Gross sexual assault is a Class A felony punishable by up to 40 years in prison.

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AP-ES-08-12-03 2033EDT