PROVO — In the 24 hours since Provo police arrested a man for alleged sexual assault of two young girls at a community pool, two more possible victims have come forward.

Police believe there are more than the four girls who have so far alleged 38-year-old James Harrison touched them inappropriately while in the pool.

"There were lots of people there and there were other children as well," said Lt. Matthew Siufanua.

They don't know how long the man was at the pool yesterday, but they say he did have a pass to the Provo rec center, which has now been permanently revoked.

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Summertime weather drew a large crowd to the Provo rec center pool Saturday afternoon, including Ashley Paxton's 9-year-old son and 8-year-old nephew. News of the alleged abuse left her speechless.

"I'm lost for words on that," she said.

Police said Harrison targeted young girls in the packed pool. A 13-year-old girl told them Harrison struck up a conversation with her, then assaulted her.

"We came out to the scene and she actually pointed the individual out that had allegedly touched her inappropriately," Siufanua said.

While officers were there, another 13-year-old girl told them Harrison did the same thing to her too.

Sunday, two more girls, including a 10-year-old, have come forward. The allegations have parents like Paxton thinking twice about their children's safety, even in such a public place.

"It happens to boys too, so that scares me so bad," Paxton said. "I'm glad I know now because then I won't let them go by themselves anymore."

Police said this type of crime isn't unique to the rec center — it happens at other pools too.

"I wish I could say it's surprising, but it's not," Siufanua said. He said the 13-year-old girl did the right thing by telling someone what allegedly happened.

"There's no reason why a 13-year-old should be talking to a 38-year-old in the pool and our children should be wise enough and should be taught by us, the best reaction is to just move away and not talk to them at all."

Paxton said she'll remind her son of that too.

"It can happen anywhere. I don't want to be too overprotective because they have to experience life, but at the same time, I couldn't bear that happening to my kid," she said.

Police booked Harrison into the Utah County jail Saturday for investigation of two counts of sexual battery. He could face additional charges as more victims come forward.

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