A Wilkinsburg man accused of raping a woman in the hallway of a McKeesport apartment complex is headed to Common Pleas court.
McKeesport police charged Ian Eric Payne, 34, with rape, sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault without consent, and indecent assault/forcible compulsion in July, court records show.
Those charges were sent to Common Pleas court following a preliminary hearing Thursday in front of District Judge Eugene F. Riazzi Jr., court records show. A formal arraignment is set for Sept. 28.
Public defender Joshua Guckert represents Payne, court records show. The Allegheny County Public Defender’s office declined to comment on the case Tuesday through a spokesperson.
McKeesport police launched an investigation July 4 when a woman reported she had been raped in the hallway of the complex, according to a criminal complaint in the case.
The victim met the man outside of the Highview Gardens complex, the criminal complaint said. They sat and talked for a while.
The two walked inside and, once in the hallway, the man grabbed the victim by the neck and shoulder, forcing her against the wall, the criminal complaint said. He then raped her.
The victim later identified Payne as the attacker through a photo array, police said. The victim told Det. Sgt. Goughnour “she was 100% sure” that the picture she picked was the attacker.
Payne was arrested and taken to Allegheny County Jail July 25, court records show. He posted bond on $30,000 bail and was released.
