Pittsburgh man waives charges for alleged sexual assault
A Pittsburgh man accused of sex crimes involving a 14-year-old girl in Ohiopyle waived most of the charges lodged against him to Fayette County Court on Wednesday.
Police allege that Benjamin Lee Barry, 30, went in search of a massage to an Ohiopyle business at a building that is located at 81 Main St. on June 25.
The criminal complaint said when Barry was denied a massage because the business had no open appointments, he became irritated and persistent, and eventually left to stand outside the building.
Police allege that as Barry sat outside, he started talking to a 14-year-old girl and allegedly exposed his genitals to her.
The girl ran away from him, police said.
Barry fled the scene, but was apprehended a short time later by two state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources officers.
Senior Assistant District Attorney Michelle Kelley said that after exploring all options during a lengthy discussion, Barry agreed to a tentative plea bargain that calls for six months of house arrest and that he participate in the Fayette County’s mental health court. Kelley added the victim’s mother’s consent was necessary for the plea deal to be accepted.
Kelley said the plea arrangement provides not only the victim’s safety, but serves the public interest.
“Our goal is to reduce recidivism, protect society and insure the continued safety of the victim,” Kelley said.
Kelley said the charges of corruption of a minor, indecent exposure and open lewdness were waived to court, and one count of unlawful contact with a minor was withdrawn.