A man wanted on multiple felony warrants was taken into custody Thursday after officers found him inside a residence in Ellsworth Borough, authorities said.
Police identified the suspect as Xavier Bell, who was being sought on felony counts that include statutory sexual assault and rape of a child, along with a probation violation stemming from a prior robbery case. Bentleyville police assisted Pennsylvania State Police in making the arrest, and Bell was lodged at the county correctional facility following his apprehension.
According to the Newport Dispatch, officers located Bell at a residence in Ellsworth Borough and transported him to the Washington County jail on the outstanding warrants tied to the child-sex allegations and the probation violation.
Charges and how they're graded under state law
Rape of a child is treated as a first-degree felony under Pennsylvania law when the alleged victim is younger than 13. Statutory sexual assault, meanwhile, applies to sexual intercourse with a person under 16 when the accused is several years older. Both offenses carry steep penalties if a defendant is convicted.
The Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes define and grade those crimes, as detailed in 18 Pa.C.S. a7 3121 and a7 3122.1. Those sections spell out how such offenses are categorized and outline potential sentencing ranges under state law.
Where he's being held
Bell was taken to the Washington County Correctional Facility, which the county describes as housing people detained while their cases move through the courts, as well as individuals serving shorter county sentences. The facility provides contact details and visitor information for anyone seeking records or status updates on detainees.
The charges against Bell are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court. Further information is expected to emerge through court filings and scheduled hearings in Washington County as the case proceeds.
