(Editor’s note: some details of this investigation are being withheld in order to protect the identity of the victim.)
A Red Hill man is facing felony sex abuse charges after he allegedly harbored and had sex with an underage local female that was reported missing last year.
Justin O’Neill, 21, has been charged with felony counts of statutory sexual abuse and corruption of minors, along with a misdemeanor count of indecent assault of a person less than 16 years old, in connection with the investigation.
The family of the victim — along with the victim herself — contacted police last year to report something that had happened while the victim was away from home. The victim stated that she had been sleeping in the back of O’Neill’s vehicle for several days while she was reported missing, and during that time, he had tried to kiss her and touch her inappropriately, police said.
The victim also stated that she had left her laptop in O’Neill’s vehicle, according to the criminal complaint.
Police and the victim’s father made contact with O’Neill to retrieve the laptop, and asked if O’Neill knew that the victim had runaway from home. O’Neill reportedly confirmed that the victim had been sleeping in his vehicle for several days prior to her returning home, the complaint states.
Several days later, the mother of the victim again contacted police, stating that she had found messages that indicated something more had happened. At that time, the victim told police that she had sex with O’Neill during one of the evenings that she slept in his vehicle, police said.
The victim was then taken to a local hospital for a SANE exam, and she gave investigators the clothing that she was wearing on the night of the incident, the complaint states.
Several months later, O’Neill met with investigators and denied any contact had occurred, police said. O’Neill then provided a DNA swab for comparison, which was later found to match the DNA that was found on the inside of the victim’s clothing, according to the complaint.
Court records indicate that charges were filed against O’Neill on Aug. 5. He was arraigned the following day, at which point bail was set at 10% of $50,000 cash. O’Neill then posted bail, and his next court appearance is a preliminary hearing on Sept. 28.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using court records and the affidavit of probable cause.
See also:
Montgomery Township Man Charged After Flashing Stun Gun During Road Rage Incident, Police Say
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Two Charged Following Strange Incident at Royal Farms in Towamencin
Nude Elderly Woman Continues to Harass Neighbors, Now Charged with Felony Stalking, Police Say
