A 22-year-old Bentleyville man is jailed after state police say he sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl at her home in Jefferson Township earlier this week. William Leach faces multiple felony counts and is being held in the county prison on a $25,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 28.
Police account
According to state police, Leach went into the teen’s home after her parents left for work, then later took her out to Saxonburg while drinking and smoking. Witnesses reportedly spotted the two at a gas station around 1 a.m. on Tuesday.
Investigators say Leach brought the teen back to her residence, ran off into nearby woods for a time, then returned before officers were called. During an interview, the girl confirmed the assault and told police Leach threatened to kill her and her entire family if she reported what happened. Troopers also say they recovered a photo showing the two in bed together. Those details were reported by Butler Radio.
What happens next
The July 28 proceeding is a preliminary hearing, an early court step where a judge decides whether the Commonwealth has made a prima facie showing that a crime occurred and that the defendant probably committed it. Under Pennsylvania rules and court decisions, this hearing does not decide guilt and uses a lower standard than a full criminal trial, as explained in Pa. R. Crim. P. 542.
Charges and custody
Leach has been charged with two counts of statutory sexual assault, three counts of indecent assault of a person less than 16 years of age, unlawful contact with a minor, interference with custody of children, and corruption of minors. He is being held at Butler County Prison on a $25,000 bond, according to Butler Radio.
Resources
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact local law enforcement. Victims and families seeking support can call Pennsylvania's ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, or reach the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE through RAINN for confidential help.
State police say the investigation is ongoing, prosecutors and court records will determine how the case proceeds after the preliminary hearing. We will update this story as officials release more information.
