A Babbie man has been arrested after allegedly raping a female family member under the age of 16.

It is the latest arrest by the Covington County Sheriff’s Office after the office received more than 30 different reports alleging the sexual abuse of a child since February.

Russell Derrell Worley, 34, is charged with two counts of first-degree rape, said sheriff’s office investigator Teddie Rae Motley Tuesday.

The initial report alleging the abuse was taken by social workers with the Alabama Department of Human Resources earlier this month, he said.

“What I can say is that the abuse lasted in excess of a year, and it occurred against (the victim’s) will,” he said. “These are just preliminary charges in this case. More charges are expected to be forthcoming.”

Motley declined to comment as to the exact relationship between Worley and his alleged victim.

Worley remains in jail under a $500,000 bond since his arrest Thursday.

Motley said his office has begun taking reports of alleged sexual abuse at an average rate of one case per day – sometimes more.

“It has become more apparent that people have become more aware and attentive to the fact that the sexual abuse of children is more significant than what the general public is aware of,” he said. “Adults are listening to what their children are saying and are taking action to bring that information to the proper authorities and bring those responsible to justice.”