SMETHPORT — A Rixford man accused of having contact with an underage girl will serve time in McKean County Jail.
On June 24, a jury found Anthony J. Schoonover, 23, guilty of charges of corruption of minors and indecent assault of a person less than 16 years of age. Schoonover was sentenced Thursday in McKean County Court to 60 days to 23 ½ months in jail with credit for one day of time served.
Schoonover must register as a sex offender for 25 years under state law regarding sex offenses.
Assistant District Attorney Ashley Shade explained that Schoonover and the victim’s families had been friends with each other, and both families were present at the property when the incident occurred. She asked that the sentence be in the top end of the standard range.
“The victim’s family trusted the defendant around their 13-year-old child,” Shade added.
Schoonover’s attorney, Public Defender Philip Clabaugh, said Schoonover still maintains his innocence.
Speaking on his own behalf, Schoonover said, “I’ve never been in trouble, and I’m currently working two full-time jobs.”
At the time of the trial, McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer explained, “The charges stemmed from an investigation into the defendant’s actions against a juvenile female in Rixford in October, 2017.”
