Pennsylvania authorities announced Sunday that five men have been arrested in connection the alleged sexual abuse of a Bucks County boy who told investigators the suspects dressed up in animal costumes while violating him over a period lasting several years.

A joint investigation by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Bucks County District Attorney's Office led to the arrest of three men in Pennsylvania and two more in Virginia in the months since last June.

Prosecutors say the boy's abuse began in 2009 when he was nine years old. A criminal complaint and affidavit filed in the arrest of one of the suspects, 57-year-old Quakertown resident Kenneth C. Fenske, said another of the suspects began taking the victim to a home where groups of men were allegedly dressed as farm animals.

[T]he victim said that a man dressed up as a Red Fox, known as “Lupine,” would take him upstairs during these Furry parties and sexually abuse him. This abuse occurred numerous times and on different dates. The victim has identified this suspect as Mr. Fenske, who following his arraignment Friday is now in Bucks County prison.

"Furries," prosecutors said, are people who dress up and identify as animals. Some view this practice as a sexual fetish.

“This is a horrendous case,” said Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro. “It is deeply disturbing to me not only as Attorney General of Pennsylvania, but as a father of young children. We care about this victim and all victims of sexual abuse.

Shapiro added that the case is active and ongoing, with additional arrests expected.

"We believe it is likely there could be more victims out there from this ring of abuse," Shapiro said. "We want to help them and protect them from any further abuse. We’re seeking the public’s help today and asking people to come forward and speak with our Office or the Bucks DA’s Office if they know anything.”

Fenske has been charged with multiple counts of child rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and unlawful contact with a minor. He remains jailed on $750,000 bail.

The following suspects were also arrested and charged:

• David Parker, 38, of Stroudsburg, faces charges of child rape and related counts, including possession of child pornography.

• Jeffrey Harvey, 40, of West Wyoming, is charged with unlawful contact with a minor, criminal use of a cell phone, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and statutory sexual assault.

Two other suspects, Craig Knox and Stephen Taylor, were arrested in Virginia. Knox has been charged with sexual offenses in Virginia and Taylor's involvement remains under investigation.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Office of the Attorney General's tip line at 1-800-385-1044.