An 83-year-old Zelienople man is facing a felony charge and three misdemeanor counts after police say he inappropriately touched two juveniles in incidents stretching across more than half a decade. Charles Lewis was charged Friday with felony corruption of minors and three misdemeanor counts of indecent assault, accusations that span alleged conduct from as early as 2014 through 2021.
According to the Butler Eagle, police said Lewis inappropriately touched two juveniles in several incidents over multiple years. One of the juveniles told investigators that inappropriate contact occurred between 2014 and 2019, and that the child could clearly recall two separate incidents during that window. The second juvenile disclosed one alleged incident of inappropriate contact that occurred in either 2020 or 2021, according to the same report.
Charging documents reported that Lewis touched the children’s genitals and had the children touch his, per Butler Radio Network. The two victims reported to police that Lewis sexually assaulted them, and both identified similar stories in separate accounts, the outlet noted.
How the Investigation Unfolded
The case moved quickly once it reached police. Officers received a child welfare report on August 20 and interviewed the two juveniles four days later, on August 24, the Eagle's report states. Lewis was charged in connection with the case.
As of the latest available information, Lewis's preliminary hearing has not been scheduled, the same account noted. No arrest, bail, or custody status has been reported, and there is no public statement from Lewis or an attorney representing him in connection with the charges.
What Pennsylvania Law Says About the Charges
Under Pennsylvania law, indecent assault includes indecent contact, or causing a complainant to have indecent contact, when the complainant is less than 13 years old, according to the Pennsylvania General Assembly. That statute generally grades the offense as a first-degree misdemeanor, but it identifies specific circumstances — including a course of conduct or certain touching of sexual parts — that can elevate the charge to a third-degree felony.
Lewis faces a felony corruption of minors count alongside three misdemeanor counts of indecent assault. The case remains in its early stages, with the preliminary hearing yet to be scheduled and no additional charges confirmed beyond those already filed.
