A Cherry Creek man charged with intentionally starting a fire that killed two young siblings last May is expected to plead guilty Friday to charges of murder and sexual abuse of a child.

Akeem Rolett Rooks, 18, was arrested and charged after a May 2 fire in Cherry Creek that destroyed the log home of his grandmother, Veda Catches. Rooks' little sister and brother, 4-year-old Keya Rooks and 2-year-old Marvin Rooks, died in the blaze.

Akeem Rooks was later charged in U.S. District Court with felony murder, arson that endangered human life and aggravated sexual abuse of a child. At that time federal authorities said the sexual abuse involved a third child the same day as the fire.

Rooks was scheduled to stand trial this week but is now scheduled for a change of plea hearing Friday in Pierre before U.S. District Judge Karen Schreier.

Under terms of a plea agreement filed in federal court, Rooks agrees to waive indictment and plead guilty to two counts of second-degree murder of a child under 18 and one count of aggravated sexual abuse of a child under 12. The previously filed charges would be dropped.

According to the federal court documents, the charges carry a mandatory minimum of 30 years in prison with a maximum of life in prison. If released, Rooks could be put on supervised release for the rest of his life.

Akeem Rooks was babysitting Keya, Marvin and another sister, Lady Hawk Rooks, when the fire started. The children's mother, Wenona Rooks, grandmother Veda Catches, and another sister, Amani Rooks, had gone to a bingo church fund-raiser at the nearby community center.

By the time fire crews reached Cherry Creek - which is more than 30 miles from the nearest fire department - the house had collapsed. Wenona Rooks had a trailer next to her mother's house but the family spent much of their time at Catches' house, relatives said.

Relatives also said Akeem Rooks had recently returned home to Cherry Creek and was planning to graduate from Takini High School last spring.

Contact Heidi Bell Gease at 394-8419 or heidi.bell@rapidcityjournal.com