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Former Connellsville police officer held for court on rape charges

By Alyssa Choiniere achoiniere@heraldstandard.Com 2 min read

A former Connellsville police officer was held for court on rape charges after a preliminary hearing in Westmoreland County.

Ryan Thomas Reese, 43, of Connellsville is awaiting trial in two other cases in Fayette County.

The officer allegedly raped a woman in her home in Tarrs while she was handcuffed, according to testimony from the alleged victim.

The Herald-Standard does not identify those who allege they are victims of rape.

She testified that she first met Reese May 18, 2011 at the Connellsville police station, where she was brought in for questioning after she allegedly sold heroin to a man known to her as Murph.

The woman testified that he offered to have her work as a confidential informant in exchange for dismissing or reducing her charges.

She said she did not know anyone in Fayette County who she could contact about selling drugs.

About two months later, she said he came to her house saying he had a warrant for her arrest. She testified that she asked if she could change her clothes, because she was not dressed appropriately to leave the house.

The woman said Reese told her he had to stay with her. In her bedroom, he allegedly handcuffed her, put her on her bed and raped her, according to testimony.

He is charged with rape, sexual assault, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, official oppression and indecent assault.

Reese is free after a $25,000 unsecured bond was posted on his behalf in Fayette County.

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