New Salem man charged with fondling teen
A New Salem man is facing 160 counts for allegedly fondling a teen about 40 times between the summer of 2016 and March 2017.
Richard Lewis, 48, told police he had already hired a lawyer when they first contacted him Dec. 21. He posted $75,000 bail shortly after his arraignment last week.
The German Township Police investigation began Dec. 21 after the girl, now 15, told her teacher about the alleged assaults. The teacher, a mandated reporter, filed a report through ChildLine, a tip services through Fayette County Children & Youth Services. Patrolman Greg Garlock called Lewis three hours after receiving the report. Lewis told Garlock he already hired a lawyer, according to court paperwork.
Garlock interviewed the teen with her mother, who reported the first incident happened during the summer of 2016 when she was 14. She said her cellphone was taken as a punishment, and she asked when she could have it back. Lewis allegedly responded by pointing to her genital area and said, “Until you let me see,” according to the affidavit of probable cause filed in his case.
She said she cried afterward and was very upset, telling Lewis what he did was wrong. She said he told her it was “normal” and “not a big deal,” according to court paperwork.
The teen reported he later asked to see her breasts and eventually began fondling her. She said these incidents occurred about 40 times, court paperwork indicated.
She said Lewis would periodically ask if she told anyone what he did, making her swear on her grandmother’s grave and promise not to tell anyone. Lewis reportedly told her she would get in trouble if she said anything and said, “I’m going to deny everything if you say anything,” the affidavit said.
He is charged with 40 counts each of felony endangering the welfare of children, unlawful contact with a minor, corruption of minors and misdemeanor indecent assault of a person less than 16.
His preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Jan. 24 before Magisterial District Judge Daniel C. Shimshock.