A West Virginia man claimed to be a “magical warlock” to trick three children into sexual encounters, authorities said.

James “Jim” Irvin, of Bluefield, was arrested Monday and charged with five counts of sexual assault and 10 counts of sexual abuse in the case, reported the Bluefield Daily Telegraph.

Investigators said the 57-year-old Irvin used his Wiccan religious beliefs to get close to the children, who were ages 3, 9, and 13 years old.

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Authorities said Irvin told two of the children he would perform magical acts on their ill mother in exchange for sexual contact with them.

A magistrate set bond at $100,000.

[Image: Creepy human skull with evil candles burning via Shutterstock]