Jury acquits Loyalhanna man charged with rape

A Westmoreland County jury deliberated just 20 minutes Friday afternoon before it acquitted a Loyalhanna man of rape and other offenses in connection with allegations made three years ago by a teen boy.

The jury found Michael Snyder, 29, not guilty of all five counts charged.

“This case was all about credibility,” said defense attorney Tim Dawson.

Snyder was arrested last year and charged with rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault, child endangerment and corruption of a minor. A 15-year-old boy claimed he was sexually assaulted by Snyder at his residence between September and December 2016.

The teen claimed Snyder gave him alcohol before the alleged sexual assault.

Snyder testified during the three-day trial before Common Pleas Court Judge Rita Hathaway that his accuser concocted the allegations.

“He denied the charges, adamantly,” Dawson said. “He was surprised by the charges. Our contention was that this young man had a motive to fabricate the story.”

The defense argued the allegations arose out of another dispute between Snyder and the teen.

Prosecutors contended the teen’s allegations should be believed and said it was understandable that Snyder’s accuser waited about a year to disclose the alleged assaults.

Snyder showed little emotion as the jury returned the not guilty verdict. He has been in jail since his arrest and will remain in custody pending disposition of a detainer filed in Indiana County for an alleged probation violation involving an unrelated case.