Man charged with assaulting child
CONNELLSVILLE — A convicted sex offender is in jail after he allegedly groped a 12-year-old at a local high school stadium.
Connellsville Police Chief Jim Capitos said Wednesday that Anthony French, 45, of Austin Avenue is charged with indecent assault, unlawful contact with a minor and harassment stemming from the Friday night incident at Falcon Stadium, located on South Arch Street.
According to Capitos, the incident took place following the Connellsville Area Senior High School football game as a group of boys was playing football inside the stadium.
“Apparently, the gates were still open and people still milling around,” said Capitos, adding that the incident took place after 11 p.m.
French allegedly groped the youngster, who then reported it to his parents.
Capitos said that an arrest warrant was executed Monday and French taken into custody by police and arraigned on the charges.
He was jailed in lieu of a $10,000 straight cash bond.
French was arrested in 2003 and charged with unlawful contact with a child. After pleading guilty to the charge in 2004, he was sentenced to five years’ probation and required to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law for 10 years.
Capitos said that the law does not prevent sex offenders from attending football games or restrict their comings and goings. The law requires that they report the location of their residence to local law enforcement.
“It does not restrict where they go,” said Capitos.
The information is listed on the Pennsylvania State Police Megan’s Law website.
During the arrest, Capitos said that officers found a multitude of animals in the residence and living in deplorable conditions.
“There was feces everywhere, and urine seeping through the floor and ceiling,” he said. “He had nearly 15 dogs that were emaciated. Many were in cages too small for them.”
Police also found mice, rats, a variety of birds, snakes and iguanas.
Capitos said that city health officer Tom Currey and the SPCA responded to the scene and removed the animals.
French has yet to be charged in connection to the condition of the animals, said Capitos.
A preliminary hearing will be held at a later date.