Judge sets bond for Seward man charged with sex offenses

A Westmoreland County judge on Thursday set bond for a Seward man charged with attempting to pay a juvenile for sex.

Anthony Ronald Laughard, 41, was arrested and charged June 2 with the attempted rape of a child, attempted involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and other related offenses in connection with allegations that he sought out a 12-year-old child for sex.

Prosecutors contend Laughard solicited an undercover investigator posing online as a juvenile and arranged a meeting in North Huntingdon.

Laughard has been held without bond since his arrest.

Deputy Attorney General Julieane Swain argued that Laughard should not be released from jail as he awaits trial.

“He is charged with trying to meet with a 12-year-old to have sex and when that didn’t pan out he asked to be set up with another child and agreed to pay $350 to have sex,” Swain said. “Our objection is based in part on the safety of the community. We feel he is not safe for the community. This is a man who wants to constantly have sex with minors and will pay to do it.”

Defense attorney Tim Andrews argued the charges against Laughard are allegations and no evidence has been presented to support the criminal case.

“You can release him on bail with sufficient conditions,” Andrews said.

Common Pleas Judge Megan Bilik-DeFazio said Laughard had no prior criminal record and was not a risk to flee. She set Laughard’s bond at $250,000 and required that, if released from jail, he remain under house arrest, have no access to the internet or smartphones and have no contact with minors.