SMETHPORT — A Rixford woman who is facing rape allegations is awaiting a decision on a motion for bail modification.

Julie A. Tipton, 36, of Rixford, is currently incarcerated in McKean County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail.

She appeared Thursday in McKean County Court before President Judge John Pavlock on a hearing for a motion to modify or reduce bail. She is represented by attorney Christopher Martini.

On Thursday, District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer noted there were two prior bail hearings in the case.

Shaffer related the reasons given by the defense attorney for the motion: Tipton is unemployed, has several medical issues and has significant ties to the area.

She noted that Tipton has no criminal offenses, and therefore has no record of violating. However, she related the serious allegations Tipton is incarcerated on, which include having sexual intercourse with a child who was in her care.

“She had an obligation to this child,” said Shaffer, who explained that not only did Tipton not take proper care of the child, she “actively harmed” him.

In addition to the rape allegations, Tipton is facing another active criminal case in which she allegedly provided a firearm to a person with a felony conviction, Shaffer added. Her husband, William Tipton, is charged in both alleged incidents as well.

Martini noted that in the firearm case, Julie Tipton’s mother posted $10,000 bail for her, so she was free until she was arrested on the rape case.

“There has been no indication she’s violated that bail,” Martini said.

The rape charges stem from alleged offenses in 2006 and were not committed during the time she was out on bail; court records indicate she was free from Feb. 25 until her second arrest on March 22.

Describing Tipton’s connection to the community, Martini said, “She has lived in McKean County for her entire life.”

He said her mother has volunteered to help make sure Tipton gets to court appearances. He added that Tipton, who receives some state benefits, does not have “a considerable amount of assets” that would allow her to travel out of the area. He said she suffers from diabetes and mental health issues, too.

According to Martini, none of children are in the home anymore, so he believes she won’t have contact with them.

Pavlock said he would take the request under advisement and issue an order at a later time.

Tipton is scheduled to appear for a last day to plea conference on June 1 for the firearms case and on July 13 for the rape case.