JOHNSONBURG — All charges against a Ridgway man accused of indecently assaulting a minor have been bound to court following a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.
Anthony John Chaplain, 49, will proceed to the Elk County Court of Common Pleas on a felony charge of corruption of minors, a misdemeanor charge of indecent assault without the consent of other, a misdemeanor charge of sell or furnish liquor to a minor, and a misdemeanor charge of corruption of minors.
Chaplain is accused of providing alcohol to a 17-year-old female and later entering into the female’s tent and making inappropriate contact without her consent.
Chaplain had a preliminary hearing on Wednesday before Magisterial District Judge James L. Martin.
The victim in the case testified Wednesday, stating the alleged incident involving Chaplain started around 5 p.m. July 24 at the Lazy River Canoe Rental in Ridgway.
The victim testified that Chaplain showed up at the location to wait for his brother. At this time, the victim and her coworkers were splitting wood, which Chaplain offered to help with, according to the victim’s testimony. After the wood had been cut, Chaplain allegedly asked the victim to go cut down another tree with him.
The victim testified on Wednesday that she initially rejected Chaplain’s request but later went with him after being urged to go by her coworker, who knew Chaplain. After stopping at Chaplain’s home, where he allegedly picked up two bottles of alcohol, the two traveled to Bear Creek to cut down another tree. According to the victim, the pair cut down a tree in the woods before Chaplain got his truck stuck on a rock.
The victim testified that she called her coworker to help, and in the 20 minutes that they waited for the coworker to arrive, Chaplain allegedly tried to get close to the victim despite her attempts to create distance between the two.
During the trip, Chaplain allegedly called the victim “beautiful” and “sexy” and stated that he would marry her in a “heartbeat” if he was not already married.
The victim testified that she returned to Lazy River Canoe Rentals with her coworker and went to sleep in the tent that she was temporarily residing in.
From the point that Chaplain and the victim left Chaplain’s home, both individuals were consuming various alcoholic beverages, including beer, brandy and moonshine, according to the victim’s testimony.
The incident with Chaplain was not over at this point as he allegedly entered into the victim’s tent, began to undress and entered into the victim’s bed, according to court documents.
The victim testified that she sent a text to an individual who was approximately 50 yards away from her location while she attempted to push Chaplain away from her.
She testified that Chaplain had grabbed her and tried to kiss her as she pushed him away.
Several residents in the area allegedly saw Chaplain enter the tent and came to assist the victim in removing him before police could arrive on scene.
According to the victim’s testimony, Chaplain was aware that she was 17 prior to the two leaving Lazy River Canoe Rentals.
At Wednesday’s preliminary hearing, the victim was the only witness to testify on behalf of the Commonwealth or the defense.
Ultimately, Martin ruled there is enough evidence in the case to uphold all charges and have the case proceed to the Elk County Court of Common Pleas.
Preliminary hearings do not determine guilt or innocence. Chaplain will be scheduled for a formal arraignment before President Judge Richard A. Masson at 3 p.m. Dec. 5, although this court proceeding is usually waived for defendants with a defense attorney.
Chaplain is represented by attorney Stephen M. Misko of Butler. The Commonwealth was represented Wednesday by Elk County District Attorney Shawn T. McMahon.
Martin had set bail at $10,000 unsecured and ordered Chaplain to have no direct or indirect contact with the victim.
