HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A local man arrested Nov. 8 for serious criminal charges made a first appearance Monday morning.

Brandon Hoffman faces seven counts of aggravated criminal sodomy, seven counts of aggravated sexual battery and one count of intimidation of a witness. Many of the sodomy charges are filed as level one felonies, which could mean a substantial amount of time in prison.

The sexual crimes allegedly occurred over a five-year period and involved the same victim. According to the complaint filed by the state, the victim was at least 16 or older at the time of the crimes.

The intimidation charge allegedly occurred in 2017 when Hoffman attempted to keep the victim from coming forward with the allegations and testifying in any hearing or trial.

The case came to light after a long and extensive investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Hoffman was able to post bond and appeared with a number of supporters in the courtroom. They were seen praying outside the courtroom before his appearance.

He will be back in court in January.