Sometimes, criminal charges come following an accusation by a claimed victim. With few exceptions, the statute of limitations on prosecuting sex crimes in Pennsylvania is 12 years. It is longer in cases when the alleged victims are under the age of 18-years-old when the assault occurred. As such, a person could face serious legal charges years after any purported contact or interactions.

According to reports, a Dillsburg man was arrested on sex crime charges recently. He is accused of sexually assaulting an 18-year-old woman and a 19-year-old woman when they were eight and nine years old, respectively. News sources did not indicate what the man’s relationship with the girls had been. Furthermore, no details were reported regarding how or why the girls came to be at the man’s home, where the alleged sexual assault occurred.

The 41-year-old man is now facing a number of charges, including rape of a child and aggravated assault. It was not disclosed when the accusations were made, nor was it detailed if the alleged victims specifically named or identified the man. The charges were reportedly filed against him following an investigation.

Even just being accused of sex crimes can have a negative impact on people’s personal lives, as well as their future employment and professional opportunities. In order to help protect themselves, it may benefit those who have been charged with sex-related offenses to work with an attorney. A legal representative may help them build a defense against the charges they are facing, explain their options and offer guidance on the best course of action given their circumstances.

Source: Fox43.com, “York County man arrested on rape charges involving two minor girls,” Howard Sheppard, Oct. 12, 2015