Scott Wennermark

A 38-year-old Ely man was charged Thursday with sexually abusing a 17-year-old girl earlier this month in Ely.

Scott A. Wennermark, 38, of 1630 North Dr., was charged with third-degree sexual abuse. He was released on bond and will appear Oct. 11, in Linn County District Court. According to a police report, the incident happened around 2 a.m. Sept. 16. Wennermark was acquainted with the girl’s family and police were notified after the girl told her parents she was forced to have sex against her will.

If convicted, Wennermark faces 10 years in prison.