CONWAY, N.H. (AP) – A police officer has been arrested on sexual assault charges, accused of raping a 16-year-old girl while he was acting as her physical guardian, the attorney general’s office said Wednesday.

William McClellan, 50, of East Conway, was arrested on four counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault. He is currently employed as a police officer in Conway, but has been on administrative leave, the attorney general’s office said.

The complaints allege that McClellan used his position as the girl’s physical guardian to coerce her to engage in sexual acts.

Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 to 20 years in prison.

The Carroll County and Belknap County Sheriff’s offices are investigating, in conjunction with the attorney general’s office.

AP-ES-09-01-04 1412EDT