CLEARFIELD – A Curwensville man accused of sexual assault waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge James Hawkins during Centralized Court on Wednesday at the Clearfield County Jail.
Richard Coy Bennett Jr., 50, of Curwensville is facing charges of statutory sexual assault; involuntary deviate sexual intercourse; sexual assault; corruption of minors (two counts); indecent assault; and selling or furnishing liquor or malt or brewed beverages to minors.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, on March 23 the victim, 14, went over to Bennett’s residence. Bennett and the victim had exchanged text messages and calls about a “drinking party.” Their plans included the victim staying at Bennett’s residence that evening.
On the date in question, the victim went to Bennett’s residence and drank three glasses of Southern Comfort and two to three beers. Later on that night, everyone went to sleep, and the victim laid down on the couch still fully clothed.
At approximately 2 a.m., the victim woke up to discover Bennett at the foot of the couch. He also found his clothing lying on the floor next to the couch. The victim alleged Bennett was inappropriately touching him underneath a blanket, and he yelled for Bennett to stop.
However, the victim said Bennett repeatedly covered his mouth and squeezed his cheek area, so that he didn’t wake anyone. He further alleged that Bennett pinned him down and performed a sex act on him. The victim eventually got free and ran into the bathroom with his clothing.
The victim told state police he snuck from the bathroom and scrambled to find his cellular phone but couldn’t find it. He got online and messaged siblings, asking to be picked up as he’d been raped. The victim fled Bennett’s residence and was picked up a short while later.
On April 17 Bennett was interviewed by state police. During the interview, he admitted to inappropriately touching the victim, as well as to performing a sex act on him. Bennett said it was only “real quick” and claimed the victim was begging him to do it. Bennett provided a written confession following the interview.