By Paul Kurtz

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A 56-year-old Philadelphia man has been arrested on charges of sexually abusing five females when they were young teenagers.

Capt. John Darby of the Philadelphia Police Department’s special victims unit says the alleged victims, now in their early to mid 20’s, suffered in silence until this past Sunday, when they got together and contacted police.

“These young girls were assaulted repeatedly by this male,” Darby told reporters today.

The suspect, identified as Courtney Wilson of the 500 block of Wright Street, was arrested on Monday. He and his alleged victims, which included a relative, were all members of the Remnant Church of God Seventh Day, in Cedarbrook.

Darby says Wilson sexually assaulted the girls repeatedly.

“This occurred in his home, in their homes, in a vehicle, in a hotel — over a long period of time,” from 1997 until at least 2005, says Darby.

Wilson faces more than a dozen charges including rape, involuntary deviant sexual intercourse, corrupting the morals of a minor, and assault.

Authorities say the investigation is continuing. They believe there may be other victims out there.