SMETHPORT — A Rixford man who is facing child rape allegations asked for a jury trial on Thursday in McKean County Court.
William J. Tipton, 51, is charged with rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, aggravated indecent assault of a child, indecent assault of a person less than 13 years old and corruption of minors for allegations stemming from 2006, court records indicate.
According to the criminal complaint, a teen male reported to police that when he was about 6 years old, Tipton would make him watch pornography, then he would act out the scene with the boy.
Also charged in the case is Julie Tipton, 36. On Thursday, Assistant District Attorney Ashley Shade said she planned to file a joinder for the rape cases and asked that the trial be scheduled for three days.
A pretrial hearing for William Tipton is set for May 10. No trial date has been set.
A second case against William Tipton regarding allegations he unlawfully possessed a firearm has been continued to May 10. His attorney, Erika Mills, indicated plea discussions were ongoing for the firearm case.
Julie Tipton pleaded guilty earlier this year for allegations she allowed William Tipton to use a handgun knowing he was prohibited from doing so, but her guilty plea was withdrawn in February, court records indicate.
William Tipton is incarcerated on a total $170,000 bail for the two cases. Julie Tipton is free, having posted bail.
