A 16-year-old Austin male who allegedly engaged in sexual activity with three children he baby-sat now faces eight felony charges — and he could be tried as an adult.

It is the Austin Daily Herald’s practice to not name juvenile suspects.

The young male was charged with eight counts of felony criminal sexual conduct Monday in Mower County juvenile court. That same day, the county attorney’s office filed a petition to have the teenager psychologically evaluated and possibly tried in criminal court.

According to court records, the incidents began in late 2007 and involved two siblings identified as 7 and 4 years old. Records indicate that the suspect had both touch his genitals, while on one occasion he allegedly touched the genitals of the younger girl.

In all, the suspect told police that he had three sexual encounters with the two children over a two- to three-month span. During that period, he said, he baby-sat them 15 to 20 times.

The 16-year-old is also accused of abusing a 5-year-old girl in March of 2010. Records indicate that he had the girl touch his genitals while he also touched hers.

The young male is scheduled to appear for a probable cause hearing on July 6. Before then, records indicate, he will not be allowed to come into contact with anyone younger than 18.

The teenager will also wear a GPS monitoring unit and will be required to be under constant adult supervision.