Associated Press - November 20, 2009 8:14 PM ET

BUTTE, Mont. (AP) - A 48-year-old Butte man has been charged with felony incest that authorities say occurred over of period of nearly 12 years.

Benny R. Stewart faces a possible life sentence if convicted of the charge. Stewart made an initial appearance before Justice Bob Lee on Friday.

Charging documents allege Stewart had sexual contact with a child between January 1998 and November 2009.

The judge set Stewart's bail at $150,000. Stewart remained in the Butte jail.

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