Sexual assault suspect waives right to hearing
CONNELLSVILLE – A South Connellsville man accused of sexually assaulting young girls in his care waived his right to a preliminary hearing and instead will have the matter heard before a Fayette County jury. John T. Stagner Jr., 44, of 310 Cramer Ave. is charged with 11 counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, 12 counts of indecent assault, three counts of corruption of minors and 62 counts of sexual abuse of children.
He was scheduled to have the matter heard Wednesday before District Justice Ronald Haggerty.
According to court documents, a home health care worker, while caring for one of Stagner’s family members, allegedly discovered photographs showing three unclothed children in various compromising positions.
The worker advised her employer of the photographs who then contacted state police with the information, according to investigating officer trooper Jeffrey W. Ramsey.
Police said that Stagner allegedly photographed the young girls while he was sexually assaulting them.
Stagner remains lodged in Fayette County Prison in lieu of a $100,000 bond.