Hearing Set for Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting Young Girl in Vehicle in Punxsutawney

PUNXSUTAWNEY BOROUGH, Pa. (EYT) – A hearing has been scheduled for 48-year-old man who allegedly sexually assaulted a juvenile while giving her a ride home.

Court documents indicate Donald P. Yates III, of DuBois, is scheduled to stand for a hearing in front of Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 22, on the following charges:

– Unlawful Restraint of Minor/Not Parent – Involuntary Servitude, Felony 2
– Indecent Assault Forcible Compulsion, Misdemeanor 1
– Unlawful Restraint/Involuntary Servitude, Misdemeanor 1
– Endangering Welfare of Children – Parent/Guardian/Other Commits Offense, Misdemeanor 1
– Indecent Assault Person Less 16 Years Age, Misdemeanor 2
– Indecent Assault-Without Consent Of Other, Misdemeanor 2

Court documents released to exploreJeffersonPA.com on July 2 indicate that the investigation was initiated in April.

On April 11, a known juvenile victim was interviewed at Western PA Cares for Kids child advocacy center in Brookville.

According to a criminal complaint filed by Punxsutawney Borough Police Officer Andrekovich, the victim stated she was at a residence in Falls Creek on February 10 and was to be taken home to Punxsutawney by Donald Yates III and dropped off at her residence.

The victim reported that while she was riding with Yates, he told her he used to pay another individual $10.00 “to see her boobs,” and then, when they got to a stop sign in Punxsutawney, Yates asked the victim if she wanted to make $10. The victim said she told Yates that she did not, and he then asked her if she was sure, and she stated, “yes, take me home.”

According to the complaint, Yates then turned right, away from the victim’s residence, and turned around in a driveway and pulled over. Yates then asked the victim if she was sure again, and she again replied, “yes, take me home.”

Yates then allegedly continued to ask the victim and forced her to show him her breast. The complaint states the victim reported that she pulled her shirt up and Yates placed his hand on her breast for about 30 seconds. He then asked the victim if she wanted to touch him, and she replied, “no, take me home.” According to the complaint, the victim reported Yates then took her hand and placed it on his genitals for about 30 seconds before asking if she wanted to see his penis. The victim told Yates she did not want to see it and said, “just take me home.”

The victim stated Yates then drove her to her residence, asked if she was okay, and then gave her $10.00 cash. The victim then reported the incident to a relative and her mother.

Charges were filed through Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock’s office on April 23, 2019.

Yates was lodged in the Jefferson County Jail on $60,000.00 monetary jail on Saturday, June 29. He was released on a 10% surety on Monday, July 1.


Copyright © 2024 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited.

Comments are temporarily closed. A new and improved comments section will be added soon.