CARMEL, N.Y. — A New York man has been charged with sexually abusing two girls.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday that 59-nine-year-old Mario Caruso was charged with three felony counts of sexual abuse.

Caruso, who lives in Carmel, is accused of fondling and inappropriately touching two neighborhood girls, ages 8 and 9, over two months in 2003.

Police believe at least one of the alleged incidents occurred at the suspect’s home.

Caruso’s lawyer, James Shalley, declined to comment.

After investigating a tip, police arrested Caruso on Sept. 20. He was arraigned Wednesday and freed on $50,000 bail.

His next scheduled court appearance is Oct. 27.

If convicted, Caruso faces up to seven years in prison.