HAINES CITY, Fla. — A 38-year-old man was arrested Thursday night in connection with the reported rape of two girls under the age of 15 at his home.

• Joshua Tyler Ayers faces 20 counts of custodial sexual battery
• Police obtained social media exchanges between Ayers, alleged victim
• Chief says suspect's actions were "disgusting and unfathomable"

Joshua Tyler Ayers of Haines City is being held on charges of 20 counts of custodial sexual battery and one count of sexual battery, according to the Haines City Police Department.

One of the victims told police she was battered about 20 times. Another was sexually battered by Ayers last month, according to investigators.

The two victims had become friends via social media and had arranged to have a sleepover and go to Legoland Florida last month. On January 9, investigators said, Ayers picked up one of the victims from Alachua County and drove her to his Haines City home where the other victim was also staying that night.

On January 11, Ayers sexually battered both victims at his home, police stated in a news release. The incident was reported by the mother of one of the victims on Thursday.

Police obtained social media exchanges between a victim and Ayers referencing the incident. Ayers acknowledged the incident for one victim, but denied allegations made by the other.

Police have obtained a search warrant and will review Ayers' electronics. The investigation is ongoing.

"The suspect's actions are reprehensible, disgusting and unfathomable," Chief Jim Elensky said. "We are going to do everything in our power to get justice for these victims. We will see to it that this suspect never harms anyone ever again."

Joshua Tyler Ayers of Haines City is being held on charges of 20 counts of custodial sexual battery and one count of sexual battery. (Haines City Police Department)

The police chief said the investigation is still under way.

"We are looking for the public's help, if they have seen any children go into this house," Elensky said. "They think it's suspicious or they didn't think about it before, they need to think about it now."

Elensky said the suspect's wife works 12-hour night shifts and didn't know what happened.

"We don't believe that this was his first time," he said. "He's been married for over 10 years and again his wife is the bread winner in this family and she works night shift."