CLARION CO., Pa. (EYT) – Judge Sara Seidle-Patton voiced concerns over the plea agreement offered on Wednesday to a Strattanville man who was accused of repeatedly raping a young girl.
On Wednesday, September 23, 33-year-old Ricky Glenn Wright stood for sentencing in front of President Judge Sara J. Seidle-Patton.
Wright’s counsel, Clarion County Public Defender Jacob Roberts, made a motion to continue the sentencing hearing to have additional time to review a victim impact statement that was received earlier in the day on September 23.
Judge Seidle-Patton granted the motion and stated she would also like additional time to review the case due to concerns regarding the plea agreement.
Wright pleaded guilty to the following charges on Wednesday, August 26:
– Indecent Exposure, Misdemeanor 1
– Corruption Of Minors, Misdemeanor 1
As a result of the plea agreement, the following charges were dismissed:
– Rape of Child, Felony 1
– Statutory Sexual Assault: 11 Years Older, Felony 1
– Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse With Child, Felony 1
– Sexual Assault, Felony 2
– Aggravated Indecent Assault — Comp. Less Than 13 Years Old, Felony 2
– Corruption Of Minors — Defendant Age 18 or Above, Felony 3
– Indecent Assault Person Less than 13 Years of Age, Misdemeanor 1
– Endangering Welfare of Children — Parent/Guardian/Other Commits Offense, Misdemeanor 1
During the August 26 plea hearing, District Attorney Drew Welsh noted that the plea was a result of multiple meetings and ongoing discussions, some of them regarding concerns about the victim being able to testify if the case went to trial.
Wright is currently free on $75,000.00 monetary bail.
A new sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 7.
Details of the case:
According to a criminal complaint filed by Trooper Katherine Berggren, of PSP Clarion, a known young girl participated in a Forensic Interview at Western PA Cares for Kids on Monday, June 3. The victim disclosed being physically and sexually accosted by Ricky Glenn Wright.
The victim utilized anatomically correct dolls and pictures to accurately portray Wright’s actions.
According to the complaint, the victim was subjected to unwanted physical touching by Wright, as well as sexual assault multiple times between April 24 and May 12 in a Clarion Township residence.
The complaint states that Wright participated in an interview during which time he denied any allegations of any form of abuse toward the victim.
Based on the investigation, Wright was arraigned in front of Magisterial District Judge Duane L. Quinn at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 14.
EDITOR’S NOTE #1: Extreme graphic details were not included due to the sexual nature of the alleged crime.
EDITOR’S NOTE #2: Additional details were omitted to help protect the identity of the victim.
