Westmoreland jury convicts Pike County man of sexual assault of teen at Keystone State Park

A Northeastern Pennsylvania man was convicted Wednesday of the sexual assault of a teenaged girl four years ago at Keystone State Park.

David Stone, 62, of Dingmans Ferry in Pike County, was found guilty of two misdemeanor charges of indecent assault and corruption of a minor in connection with allegations that he improperly touched a then 13-year-old Williamsport girl during a camping trip to Westmoreland County in June 2020.

Stone is awaiting trial in Tioga County on similar felony charges related to allegations he sexually assaulted a young child in 2008. He was charged in 2022, according to court records, and is free on a $50,000 bond in that case.

In his Westmoreland County trial, his teen accuser testified Stone, who was watching an adult-themed television show while seated where she attempted to sleep in a small pop-up camper, grabbed her breasts and attempted to force her hands into his crotch.

Stone claimed the allegations against him were false and his wife of more than 42 years testified she was the camper and with her husband and the teen but witnessed no illegal sexual activity. She suggested Stone’s hand accidentally was placed on the girl after he fell asleep while watching the video.

Defense attorney Marco Sylvania argued that jurors should acquit Stone.

“Her story is unreasonable that he would risk everything for this. It doesn’t make any sense,” Sylvania told jurors.

The prosecution contended Stone confessed to the crime to family members before his accuser disclosed the allegations to child welfare officers in Pike County in 2021.

Assistant District Attorney Leo Ciaramitaro told jurors they only had to believe the now 17-year-old accuser to convict Stone.

“Why is she making it up? There’s no reason ever given for you to consider why she would lie,” Ciaramitaro said.

Prosecutors asked Stone’s $20,000 bond be revoked while he awaits sentencing. Ciaramitaro said Stone is a risk to flee the jurisdiction and faces a potential nine-month jail sentence as a result of his conviction while he is also facing another prosecution elsewhere in Pennsylvania.

Westmoreland County Common Pleas Court Judge Christopher Feliciani said Stone, who has no prior criminal convictions, can remain free pending a sentencing hearing that will be conducted in about three months.