CLEARFIELD – The preliminary hearing for a 21-year-old Clearfield man accused of raping a child was continued until April 23 during Centralized Court on Wednesday at the Clearfield County Jail.
Ronnie Clinton Bass, 21, of Clearfield is facing charges of rape of child; indecent assault of person less than 13 years of age; corruption of minors; statutory sexual assault; sexual assault; aggravated indecent assault; and disorderly conduct. Bass is incarcerated in lieu of $250,000 bail.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, at 12:46 a.m. Aug. 14, Clearfield Borough police were dispatched to a domestic disturbance in progress. Upon arrival to the scene, police heard several people yelling from inside the residence, and they were separated.
Police were advised that when witnesses returned to the residence, the alleged victim had been observed with her pants around her ankles and sitting on Bass on the couch. Bass then put the alleged victim on the floor, covered his private area and became very defensive, causing an argument to break out inside the residence.
The alleged victim’s parents were directed to take her to the Clearfield Hospital for a physical evaluation. Bass was taken into custody at 1:36 a.m. and transported to the police station to be interviewed about the alleged incident.
During an interview with police, Bass admitted to picking up the alleged victim and putting her on the couch with him after individuals had left the residence. He also admitted to pulling down the victim’s pants and sexually assaulting her. He told police that he didn’t penetrate the alleged victim.