Today, charging documents say a Butler man was taken into custody after allegations he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl he first met at a family event. Police allege the 25-year-old invited the teen to his home for sexual intercourse, that she told him she was underage and refused, and that he then sent explicit photos. He faces counts including criminal solicitation (statutory sexual assault of a minor 4 to 8), unlawful contact with a minor, and corruption of minors.
What the charging papers lay out
As reported by Butler Radio, the charging documents identify the defendant as 25-year-old Dakota Anthony and say he was the son of a family friend. According to that report, bail was set at $15,000, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 30. Those details come from the charging papers summarized in the outlet’s coverage.
Custody status and what happens next
Anthony is being held at the Butler County Prison, which lists its address as 202 S. Washington St., Butler. At the March 30 preliminary hearing, a Magisterial District Judge will hear evidence and decide whether the case should be held for trial. If the judge binds the charges over for court, the case will move to the Court of Common Pleas for further proceedings.
Legal process and where to turn for help
Pennsylvania Courts guidance explains that a preliminary hearing is limited to deciding whether the Commonwealth has presented a prima facie case and whether charges should be held for trial. It is not a ruling on guilt or innocence. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services advises anyone with information or concerns about possible abuse to call ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313 to report suspected child abuse, and the DHS website provides more reporting details via PA DHS. Anyone with tips related to this case is urged to contact local law enforcement or the Butler County District Attorney’s office, using the official contact information listed on county websites.
