BANGOR – A 62-year-old man remained in the Penobscot County Jail on Thursday facing two counts of gross sexual assault after allegedly molesting two boys at his Fourth Street apartment.

According to state prosecutors, Thomas Hart engaged in sexual acts with two local boys, ages 12 and 13, after befriending them as well as other neighborhood boys.

After an initial court appearance last week, Hart was ordered held on $5,000 bail.

Hart was arrested after police were made aware of a series of explicit photographs developed at a local pharmacy, according to Detective Sgt. Ronald Gastia.

The photographs could result in additional charges including sexual exploitation, according to Deputy District Attorney Michael Roberts.

“He basically befriended the boys and got them in a vulnerable position,” Roberts said. “It underscores why it’s important for parents to talk to their kids about the dangers of befriending strangers.”

Roberts said state prosecutors also would look into the possibility of additional sexual abuse charges involving other boys who were known to visit Hart’s apartment.

The two victims in this case had met Hart on only a couple of occasions before last week’s arrest, according to police.

Gross sexual assault is a Class A felony with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

A probable cause hearing is scheduled for Sept. 13 in 3rd District Court.

Roberts said an initial inquiry revealed Hart had no criminal history in Maine.