This story was updated at 4:55 p.m., Aug. 7, 2012.

A Bowie man has been arrested and charged with sexually abusing a child, according to Prince George’s County Police.

County police arrested Michael Brochu of the 3900 block of Croydon Lane on Saturday for allegedly sexually abusing an 8-year-old boy.

Brochu, 52, faces charges of perverted practice, sexual abuse of a minor and committing a sex offense in the fourth degree. He faces up to 25 years behind bars, if convicted, said John Erzen, spokesman for the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Brochu was released from the Department of Corrections on Tuesday on a $200,000 bond, according to court records.

“As part of his release he’s not to have contact with the victim,” Erzen said.

The state’s attorney’s office treats sexual assault cases involving minors no differently than any other, Erzen said.

“We treat all allegations very seriously,” he said. “We treat them all the same in making sure we fully investigate and if a case goes to trial making sure we are fully prepared.”

Police work on the case continues, said Cpl. Maria McKinney, a county police spokeswoman.

“I’m sure they’re looking to see if there are any other [victims],” she said.

Bowie Police were the first to be alerted to the alleged abuse on Friday when the boy and a guardian came to the police station in Bowie, McKinney said. The case was then transferred to the county police’s special crimes section in Palmer Park, which arrested Brochu the next day.

Brochu faces a preliminary hearing on Aug. 31, Erzen said.

amccombs@gazette.net