IOWA FALLS - A Hardin County resident is facing life in prison if convicted of sexual abuse for a second time.

Greg Heginger, 36, of Iowa Falls, was arrested April 30 by Iowa Falls Police. He is accused of having sex with a minor under the age of 16.

Police initially charged Heginger with third-degree sexual abuse, a Class C felony, said Iowa Falls Police Chief Ron Kuhfus.

Authorities enhanced the charge against Heginger to a Class A felony after Hardin County Attorney Randall Tilton learned Heginger had a previous conviction for the same charge, Kuhfus said.

Heginger was arrested again May 24 by the Hardin County sheriff's office on a warrant for the enhanced charge.

Under Iowa law, anyone charged twice with second- or third-degree sexual abuse is automatically eligible to face a Class A felony. The only sentence allowed by law for a Class A felony is life in prison without the possibility of parole.