A Pottsville man is free on bail after police charged him with numerous felonies involving the alleged rape of a child.
John Thomas Riley, 44, is accused of raping and inappropriately touching a child for several years, starting before she was 13 years old.
Police say they received a call back in April about the alleged abuse. The victim said the abuse started as requests from Riley to rub his feet and legs before progressing to inappropriate touching and then forced sex.
She told police this abuse continued for the last couple years and happened on numerous instances. At some point, Riley allegedly showed the victim a video of how to perform one of the inappropriate acts on him.
A forensic exam and interview of the victim were conducted at UPMC Child Advocacy Center of Central PA in Harrisburg.
Riley was interviewed by police at City Hall regarding the accusations against him on May 17. During that interview, Riley denied any claims that he sexually abused his accuser but did admit to having her rub his feet and legs.
Police took their evidence to the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office, which advised them to prepare charges against Riley.
Riley was arraigned on the following charges before District Magistrate David Rossi on July 25:
- 2 counts of first-degree felony rape
- 2 counts of first-degree felony rape of a child
- 2 counts of first-degree felony involuntary deviate sexual intercourse
- 2 counts of first-degree felony involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child
- 2 counts of second-degree felony aggravated indecent assault of someone less than 16 years old
- 2 counts of first-degree felony statutory sexual assault
- 1 count of third-degree felony corruption of a minor
- 1 count of misdemeanor indecent assault of a person less than 16 years old
Rossi set bail at $100,000 and remanded Riley to Schuylkill County Prison. Riley posted bail the next day.
He’s due back in court for a Preliminary Hearing on Aug. 12 before District Magistrate James Reiley.
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