Newell teen charged with rape
An 18-year-old Newell man is behind bars after police allege he raped a 16-year-old girl at a home in Newell Tuesday night. Southwest Regional police Chief John D. Hartman said Jason Charles Mirabella was charged Thursday before Magisterial District Judge Michael M. Metros with rape and sexual assault.
Hartman said the rape occurred late Monday or early Tuesday at Mirabella’s home at 303 Morgan St.
Hartman said Mirabella had been drinking alcohol late Tuesday when he forced himself on the girl, who had gone into his bedroom to sleep.
According to the complaint filed in the case, Mirabella told the girl that “as an emergency medical technician” he would “feel more comfortable” if she took her clothing off.
After he helped her remove her clothing, he forced himself on her, Hartman said.
He said that another teenage girl who also was at Mirabella’s home heard the alleged victim rejecting Mirabella’s advances and called into his bedroom to see if she was okay.
Hartman said Mirabella then threatened to kill the second teen if she entered his bedroom.
Hartman said that the alleged victim was taken to Monongahela Valley Hospital in Carroll Township.
The Herald-Standard does not identify the victims of alleged sexual assault.
Mirabella was placed in the Fayette County Prison on $50,000 straight cash bond following his arraignment.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m. June 25 before Magisterial District Judge Jesse Cramer.
Hartman noted that Mirabella does not have a criminal record.