CORNWALL, Pa. — Authorities in Lebanon County have charged a Cornwall man with the sexual assault of a minor, District Attorney Pier Hess Graf announced Tuesday.
Edward Williams was charged after an investigation by Cornwall Police, who received a report from the victim's mother, Graf said.
Williams is allegedly seen molesting the victim on video from Sunday night into Monday morning, police said.
In a forensic interview with investigators, the child allegedly described the abuse Williams subjected her to, which included inappropriate touching of her chest, legs, buttocks, and genitals.
The abuse occurred whenever the child was with Williams for "movie night," the victim allegedly told authorities.
Police reviewed the video, which allegedly depicted Williams sexually assaulting the child, Graf said.
A second child allegedly told police Williams rubbed her arms and legs but did not subject her to further abuse because he knew she would report the contact, according to police.
Graf said two other children are being interviewed to determine their knowledge of the alleged abuse.
Williams was taken into custody Tuesday morning, Graf said. He was arraigned before Magisterial Justice Kim R. Wolfe, who set bail at $500,000.
"There exists nothing more vile or heinous than an adult who takes advantage of a child's innocence and trust for his own sexual desires and gratifications," Graf said. "Criminals who sexually assault, molest, and abuse children are the lowest of the low.
"I commend the hard work of the Cornwall Borough Police Department and their efforts to fight for and protect our children."
