A Lancaster man accused of sexually abusing children has skipped a key early step in the court process, waiving his preliminary hearings this month and clearing the way for county-level prosecution. Raul Angel Lopez-Fargas, 37, faces a slate of criminal counts that prosecutors say cover alleged incidents in 2013 and 20178 and involve victims as young as 6. The waivers mark the latest procedural turn in an investigation that began after a victim came forward in October 2025.
Hearings And Charges
According to WGAL, Lopez-Fargas waived a Jan. 30 preliminary hearing and a separate hearing on Feb. 2, a move that sends his case to Lancaster County Court. The Lancaster County District Attorney's Office says he is charged with 10 different offenses, eight of them graded as felonies. The list includes rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent assault of a person less than 13 years of age, indecent exposure, corruption of minors, and endangering the welfare of children.
By choosing not to contest the charges at the preliminary hearing stage, Lopez-Fargas allows the case to advance directly to the county court for arraignment and the next round of legal maneuvering.
How Police Built The Case
Per the Lancaster City Bureau of Police, detectives opened an investigation after a child reported abuse in October 2025. Officers arrested Lopez-Fargas at a residence on the 500 block of South Duke Street in November 2025.
Police say the inquiry widened as additional victims were identified, and that charges were ultimately brought by both Lancaster and East Lampeter Township police departments. Investigators have asked anyone with information to contact Detective Valverde through the official channels provided by the department.
Allegations And Alleged Admissions
In a police interview, Lopez-Fargas "admitted to having abused" one of the victims, who would have been about 7 or 8 during the alleged 201718 incidents, according to WGAL. He also reportedly told detectives he had raped a different 6-year-old at a home on Horseshoe Road in East Lampeter Township in 2013.
Authorities say detectives later interviewed that girl and that the investigation remains active while prosecutors continue to review the evidence.
Legal Next Steps
With the preliminary hearings waived, the case shifts to Lancaster County Court, which will handle arraignment and any decisions on formal charges, motions and scheduling toward a trial or potential plea negotiations. Lopez-Fargas remains presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in a court of law.
Resources And How To Help
Officials say anyone with tips should contact Lancaster detectives. The police listing for the case includes Detective Valverde’s email address and phone number, per the Lancaster City Bureau of Police. For survivors seeking support, YWCA Lancaster operates a 24-hour sexual assault hotline at 717-392-7273.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation is ongoing and encourage anyone with information to come forward.
