CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield man will spend up to 12 years in state prison for the attempted rape of a child.
Ronnie Clinton Bass, 22, of Clearfield has pleaded guilty to criminal attempt/rape, indecent assault person less than 13 years of age, corruption of minors and disorderly conduct. He was sentenced by President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman to three to 12 years in state prison.
Bass was determined to be a sexually violent predator after a brief hearing. William Allenbaugh, who is an independent member of the Pennsylvania Sex Offender’s Board, testified that he spoke with Bass and after reviewing the case, it was his opinion that Bass is a predator.
Patrick Lavelle, attorney for Bass, asked Allenbaugh if he had also reviewed information from Torrance State Hospital, reports from incidents in North Carolina and other information on Bass’s “unusual upbringing.” Allenbaugh confirmed he had, but this did not change his conclusion.
Lavelle pointed out that Bass had a chaotic childhood and that those around him “failed this young man.”
Ammerman stated that it did “not look like he had much of a chance.”
District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. noted that Bass was sent to the Torrance State Hospital to determine his competency. Officials there said he was mentally retarded, but he was competent to stand trial.
As a sexually violent predator, Bass must register his address with law enforcement under Megan’s Law for the rest of his life.
The charges stem from an incident in Clearfield Borough on Aug. 14, 2013. According to the affidavit of probable cause, when two people returned to the residence they saw the victim sitting on Bass on the couch in the living room. Her pants were around her ankles. An argument broke out, waking another relative who was able to break up the fight as officers arrived.
In an interview with police, Bass admitted to pulling the victim’s pants down and placing her on his lap. A physical exam of the victim did not show any injury to the child.
