Kohala man indicted on 25 counts of sex assault

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KAILUA-KONA — A Kohala resident has been indicted on 25 counts of sexual abuse against a girl age 14 or younger, which happened between January 2009 and August 2010.

Alexander K. M. Svendsen, 30, faces 20 counts of first-degree sexual assault, and five counts of third-degree sexual assault, according to the indictment handed down earlier this week by a Big Island grand jury.

The Kapaau resident was previously indicted Dec. 14, 2015, with seven similar counts. However, they were dismissed ahead of the newest indictment.

The victim was 13 when the abuse began and turned 14 during the 20 months the abuse continued, according to the indictment.

The indictment said the abuse happened in various homes and locations within those homes, including a couch and the victim’s bedroom.

A bench warrant was issued for his arrest after the indictment. He was not in custody Thursday.

First assistant deputy prosecutor Dale Ross said she was not able to comment on the case. No attorney was listed for Svendsen.