KINGSLEY TWP., Pa. (EYT) – A Tionesta man has been found guilty of six charges of the sexual assault of a child that occurred at a residence in Kingsley Township, Forest County.
Shirl D. Peyatt, 55, of Tionesta, was found guilty by a jury on Thursday, November 3, on the following offenses:
– Aggravated Indecent Assault of Child Guilty, Felony 1
– Aggravated Indecent Assault — Comp. Less Than 13 Years Old Guilty, Felony 2
– Unlawful Contact With Minor — Sexual Offenses Guilty, Felony 2
– Intimidation of Witness/Victim — Refrain From Report Guilty, Felony 1
– Corruption Of Minors — Defendant Age 18 or Above Guilty, Felony 3
– Indecent Assault Person Less than 13 Years of Age, Misdemeanor 1
According to the criminal complaint, State Police Trooper James Weaver, Supervisor for the Criminal Investigation Unit of Marienville-based State Police, was notified that Forest County Children and Youth Services (CYS) was investigating an alleged child abuse case that occurred on German Hill Road in Tionesta, Kingsley Township.
The complaint stated that around 12:07 p.m. on September 23, interviews with two juveniles were conducted with the assistance of CYS. The juveniles stayed “a couple of nights” at Peyatt’s residence.
The complaint indicates that on September 25, a forensic interview of the victim was conducted at PA Cares for Kids. The results of the interview indicated that the victim was molested by Peyatt on July 14, 2015, around 2:00 a.m.
According to the complaint, Peyatt approached the victim while (he/she) was sleeping on a couch and touched (him/her) inappropriately.
Peyatt then gave the victim $20.00 and told (him/her) to keep (his/her) “mouth shut or somebody would get hurt.”
The victim told the other juvenile about the assault right after it happened, according to the complaint.
On September 29, 2015, Cpl. Weaver interviewed Peyatt who confirmed that the victim was at his residence and stayed the night. He stated that “he was sitting in his chair in the same room as the kids….and that he did not touch (the victim),” the complaint indicates.
Peyatt also related that “he did not give any money to (the victim); however, he could not explain how (he/she) came in possession of $20.00,” the complaint states.
Police did not release the age or gender of the child; however, charges filed against Peyatt indicate the victim is less than 13-years-old.
Peyatt remains in the Warren County Jail.
A date for sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
Editor’s Note: Graphic details were not included due to the sexual nature of the crime.
