CLEARFIELD – A 40-year-old DuBois man, Karl Porter, was sentenced to a minimum of 10 years to a maximum of 40 years of incarceration in state prison for the aggravated indecent assault of a child, according to Clearfield County District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr.
On Oct. 18, 2012, Sgt. Rodney Fairman of the Sandy Township Police Department filed a criminal complaint, charging Porter with aggravated indecent assault of a child (12 counts) and indecent assault (12 counts).
According to the affidavit of probable cause filed by Fairman, in September of 2012, the Sandy Township Police Department began an investigation into the sexual assault of a female child. Upon investigation it was found that for more than a year, Porter had routinely sexually molested a female who was 10 years old. The victim told police that Porter had inappropriately touched her. The victim also said that Porter had held her hand and caused her to inappropriately touch his private area. All of the incidents were reported to have occurred at a residence in Sandy Township.
On Jan. 23, Porter tendered guilty plea to the charges. On Feb. 5, Judge Paul E. Cherry ordered that Porter undergo a Megan’s Law assessment by the State Sexual Offender’s Board prior to sentencing.
During the Megan’s Law Hearing yesterday, Shaw offered expert testimony from William G. Allenbaugh II. Allenbaugh is a member of the Pennsylvania Sexual Offender Assessment Board and conducted an assessment to determine if Porter meets the statutory criteria to be classified as a sexually violent predator. During the hearing, Allenbaugh stated that it was his expert opinion that Porter does meet the criteria to be classified as a sexually violent predator.
Following the presentation of testimony and evidence, Cherry declared Porter a sexually violent predator for purpose of Megan’s Law.
After Porter was sentenced, Shaw was pleased, saying a sentence of this magnitude should serve to not only prevent Porter from victimizing any more children, but also to act as a warning to those who would engage in similar crimes.
Shaw stated that protecting the innocent from predators like this will always remain one of the top priorities of the Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office. He also explained that the overwhelming majority of child sexual abuse victims are abused by someone they know and trust. He said it is important for parents to encourage their children to know that they can talk to them about anything.
Shaw emphasized that if you suspect a child has been sexually abused, you should report it immediately to law enforcement. He commended the Sandy Township Police Department for their investigation in this case.
Anyone with knowledge of a crime is asked to call Clearfield County Crime Stoppers at 800-376-4700. All calls to Crime Stoppers are confidential. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by visiting the Clearfield County District Attorney Web site at “www.ClearfieldDA.org” and selecting “Report A Crime.”