About Tim Karan

Tim Karan 724-543-1303
Staff Reporter
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COWANSHANNOCK — A NuMine man was placed in Armstrong County Jail for allegedly having sex with a 14-year-old girl.

Jeremy Johnston, 20, is accused of engaging in intercourse with the girl about two weeks ago and having inappropriate sexual contact with her during several instances before that.

The Leader Times does not identify juveniles who are victims of crimes.

According to court documents, the girl was at the NuMine home of Johnston's 13-year-old cousin during a weekend in mid-February. The girl said she was lying down in an upstairs bedroom when Johnston came into the room and began touching her. Although the girl claimed to repeatedly push Johnston away, she said he removed her clothes and proceeded to have sex with her.

The girl also said Johnston touched her inappropriately on four other occasions within the last several months.

The girl's mother reportedly learned about the sexual relationship when she read a message her daughter sent to a friend on Facebook. Police were notified on Feb. 24.

Later that day, Johnston — who said he believed the girl was 17 or 18 years old — admitted to a state trooper that he engaged in intercourse with the victim but claimed it took place at a rock pile near the home. He also admitted to having sexual contact with the girl on about three prior occasions.

Johnston was arrested and placed in Armstrong County Jail by District Judge Gary DeComo on charges of statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault on a person under 16, indecent assault on a person under 16 and corruption of minors. Bail was set at $25,000.

Tim Karan is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 724-543-1303 or tkaran@tribweb.com.

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