NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. (EYT) — Charges against a Rimersburg man, who faced multiple felony sex charges against a three-year-old girl, were dismissed Tuesday in front of District Magistrate Jeffrey Miller.
On January 6, John R. Goodman, Jr., 36, was arraigned in front of Judge Miller and charged with six felonies and one misdemeanor, including the rape of a child.
However, at the preliminary hearing, things were much different.
“I think it was information that had been passed around that was blown out of proportion,” Clarion County Public Defender Erich Spessard said. “And, the judge said no real crime had been committed.”
Judge Miller said that the evidence presented didn’t meet the standard for it to proceed.
The investigation by New Bethlehem Borough Police began in November 2016 when Sgt. Nicole Peck received a report of suspected child abuse from Clarion County Children and Youth Services.
Peck was asked about whether charges might be refiled.
“I still have to meet with the D.A. (Mark Aaron), and we’ll take a look at it and see if we can or not,” Peck said.
In a previous article posted on exploreClarion.com, a criminal complaint stated that Sgt. Peck spoke with (a known person) who stated that the mother of the three-year-old girl told (the known person) that Goodman had allegedly made the victim perform oral sex on him.
