A 39-year-old Lawrence man accused of raping two girls while they were in day care was charged Monday.

The man, William Joseph Ellis Jr., was charged in Douglas County District Court with two counts of rape of a child under the age of 14. Prosecutors alleged at Ellis’ first court appearance Monday afternoon that he had sex with two victims over “more than a year.”

Charging documents indicate the alleged acts happened with one of the children between Jan. 12, 2014, and Friday, and with the other victim between March 9, 2014, and Friday. Lawrence police spokesman Sgt. Trent McKinley said both children were under the age of 10.

When Ellis asked for clarification on his charges, Douglas County District Judge Paula Martin said he was accused of having sex with “two girls while they were in day care.” She did not indicate in what town the day care was located, or if by “day care” she meant a licensed child care facility or a more informal arrangement.

It was unclear as of Monday afternoon what connection, if any, Ellis may have had to a day care. A preliminary search of online child care records through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment yielded no results for day cares owned by the man or his spouse.

Prosecutors indicated in court that they believe they have a “strong case” with “serious allegations.” They also said Ellis “has confessed.”

Ellis’ bond was set at $500,000 when he was arrested Saturday. On Monday, Martin opted to keep the bond at that amount.

If convicted, Ellis faces a “Hard 40” or minimum 40 years in prison for each count, according to prosecutors.

If he makes bond, Ellis is banned from contacting anyone under the age of 18 or any non-law enforcement witnesses, including his wife. He remained in the Douglas County Jail Monday.

Ellis has a prior conviction of attempted aggravated indecent liberties with a child from 1996, according to court records. He is scheduled to appear next in court on Aug. 3.