The charges are in addition to previous accusations he sexually assaulted two other boys.

Frederick N. Rames of Holua Way in Wahiawa was charged yesterday with three counts of first-degree sexual assault, 14 counts of third-degree sexual assault, and four counts of witness tampering.

The allegations involve five boys, ages 7 to 12, who, were sexually assaulted beginning on July 24, 2002, police said. Police said the alleged victims also reported that they had been contacted by Rames after he was arrested on Sept. 21 and released from jail on bail.

The alleged telephone contact led police to arrest him on suspicion of witness tampering.

A conviction for third-degree sex assault carries a maximum five years in prison, while the more serious first-degree sexual assault carries a maximum 20 years in prison.

Rames previously was charged with the third-degree sexual assault of two boys, ages 7 and 12.