By Luis Martinez and Jack Date

The Army says the FBI is investigating allegations of child sexual abuse at Fort Meade, Md., involving a civilian employee who used to work at the base's youth center.

"Fort Meade officials became aware of an alleged incident of child sexual abuse involving a civilian employee who previously worked at the Fort Meade Youth Center," Army spokesman George Wright said in a statement. "The allegations were reported through appropriate channels and the FBI has since opened an investigation."

The FBI is the lead investigation agency because Fort Meade is a federal facility. The sprawling Army post located between Washington and Baltimore is also home to the National Security Agency.

Wright said Fort Meade "is fully cooperating with the FBI's investigation and is providing support to families as necessary. This investigation is ongoing and requests for additional information should be addressed to the FBI's Baltimore office."

The FBI is not commenting on the allegations.

A Defense official said that the alleged perpetrator had worked for the Army for five to seven years and previously held positions at the child development center (CDC) and youth center at Fort Meade.

Child development centers provide child care for children ranging in age from infancy to 6 years of age. Youth centers are for children aged 6 to 18.

The official said the alleged perpetrator worked at the youth center in a program for boys aged between 10 and 12.

Army officials first became aware of the alleged abuse after a child stepped forward with allegations of sexual abuse. It is unclear how many children may have been the victims of the alleged sexual abuse, but the official said there are "several" victims who are dependents from the four military services that work on the post.

Though it is primarily an Army base, the Fort Meade also houses several offices from the other military services.

The Navy is setting up an Emergency Family Assistance Center to assist with the families of those that might be affected. A similar center was established for the families of victims of the Washington Navy Yard shootings.