KNOX TWP., Pa. (EYT) – A Knoxdale man has been accused of indecent assault and related offenses of a minor stemming from an incident that allegedly occurred at his residence located on Church Alley, in Knox Township, Jefferson County.
According to a criminal complaint filed on October 21, 58-year-old John Joseph Dietrich, of Knoxdale, Pa., has been arrested on charges of indecent assault of a 12-year-old girl.
The criminal complaint states that on July 31, 2015, a known 12-year-old juvenile female reported to her mother that around 11:00 p.m. on July 23, Dietrich attempted to touch her chest and private parts. She indicated that this occurred at his residence.
The complaint indicates the victim was taken to Penn Highlands in DuBois for a medical examination. The State Police in DuBois were contacted and Trooper Eisman responded.
Around 10:00 a.m. on August 10, 2015, Cpl. Logan, of Punxsutawney-based State Police, attended a CAC interview with the victim at Western PA Cares for Kids in Brookville. During the interview, the victim related that on July 23, she stayed the night at Dietrich’s house, along with her family. After playing in a nearby park, they returned to the residence to watch TV before laying down for the night. She was sleeping on the bed with her grandmother and Dietrich was outside, the complaint states.
At approximately 11:00 p.m., Dietrich allegedly “called her out into a ‘mud room’ and told her that he had something he wanted to show her. He put her in the corner and tried to touch her. She didn’t scream because she was afraid of him hurting her. She tried to push him away until she lost strength in her arms and legs,” the complaint indicates.
Dietrich allegedly “put one arm around her stomach and one on her shoulder. He tried to touch her (private areas). He only was successful in touching her chest. He then just stopped and left. She then ran outside where she stayed until she saw her sister at the door and then went back inside. She didn’t tell anybody about what happened until August 1,” the complaint continues.
Cpl. Logan attempted to interview Dietrich to which he declined, according to the complaint.
Cpl. Logan interviewed two individuals who said that they had a conversation with Dietrich concerning this incident. Dietrich explained to them that he was sleeping in bed and was awakened by a known person rubbing herself against him. He said he took her to the “mud room” and told her that this was not acceptable and if anyone found out they would both be in trouble, the complaint continues.
Based on the information gathered during the investigation, Cpl. Logan requested an arrest warrant be issued for Dietrich.
He was arraigned at 1:55 p.m. on October 22 in front of Judge Gregory M. Bazylak.
He faces the following charges:
- Indecent Assault Person Less than 13 Years of Age, Misdemeanor 1
- Unlawful Contact With Minor – Sexual Offenses, Felony 1
- Indecent Assault Forcible Compulsion, Misdemeanor 1
- Criminal Attempt – Indecent Assault Forcible Compulsion, Misdemeanor 1
Unable to post $50,000.00 monetary bail, he was lodged in the Jefferson County Jail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on November 4 with Judge Bazylak presiding.
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