LOBELVILLE, Tenn. -
A Perry County man is behind bars on five counts of aggravated sexual assault of a minor and authorities fear that may only be the beginning.
Michael Bates may have numerous victims, dating back decades, according to Chief Deputy Nick Weems with the Perry County Sheriff's Department.
Weems told Nashville's News 2 Bates, 48, formed a so-called gang called The Brotherhood which he used to lure in young boys and sexually assault them.
"The Brotherhood was set up by him and him alone. He would prey on young boys," he explained.
According to Weems, Bates allegedly bought the boys gifts to lure them in.
The Perry County Sheriffs Department believes most of the alleged crimes occurred at Bates' home in Lobelville or along back country roads.
Weems said they also have reason to believe Bates has been assaulting young boys for more than a decade.
"During the investigation we learned that there's going to be a large number of victims involved, possibly leading plum back to the early 1990s," he said.
Weems does not know exactly how many victims there are, but believes more victims will come forward as the investigation progresses.
"The reason I believe that they didn't come forth back a long time ago was either due to embarrassment or possible intimidation," he said.
Two of the victims had ties to the sheriff's department so the district attorney and sheriff's offices from surrounding counties have taken over the investigation.
Bates is currently behind bars on a $375,000 bond.
Anyone with any information regarding Bates is urged to call the Perry County Sheriff's Department at 931-589-8803.
