DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — A Dauphin County 18-year-old is facing charges after allegedly admitting to raping a girl who was 14 at the time, Pennsylvania State Police said.
Joshua Lesher, 18, of Gratz, allegedly admitted to raping the victim at least seven times during an interview with PSP.
Troopers say someone reported the crime to PSP - Lykens on Oct. 31. Police spoke to the victim that same day, and she allegedly reported that Lesher had raped her at least five times in the past year. She reported four separate incidents during a subsequent interview with medical personnel on Nov. 13, police said.
State Police determined that two of the alleged incidents took place after Lesher had turned 18, and all of them occurred before the victim's 15th birthday.
PSP interviewed Lesher on Nov. 14. After waiving his Miranda Rights, the accused allegedly denied ever having any sexual contact with the victim.
According to a criminal complaint, Lesher asked during the interview if police had any physical evidence, and troopers responded that the victim recently found out she was pregnant. After learning this, Lesher allegedly became visibly distraught and confessed to raping the victim on at least seven occasions.
He was charged with sexual assault, unlawful contact w/ minor - sexual offenses, corruption of minors - defendant age 18 or above and indecent assault - without consent of other.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 11, court documents show.
