Authorities in Cameron County have filed charges against an Emporium man following a years-long investigation into claims that he had repeatedly sexually abused a 10-year-old girl in 2014.
Police say the investigation into Forest William Drake, now age 60, began in the summer of 2014 after the victim’s mother filed a complaint, alleging that her daughter had been sexually assaulted by him.
According to the affidavit, police say an arrest warrant was issued for Drake but authorities say he had fled the area prior to being taken into custody.
Investigators say in 2018, police learned that Drake had been incarcerated in California for an unspecified crime.
The complaint states that the investigation into the sex abuse claims was restarted after police learned that Drake had recently moved back to the area.
Police say a new interview was conducted with the victim, who recalled being repeatedly “molested” by Drake inside a tent that was located in the backyard of a residence.
Investigators noted that despite the lengthy hiatus between interviews, the victim “recalled the same acts and described the assaults the same as she did in 2014.”
On Monday, Drake was arraigned on charges of indecent assault, unlawful contact with a minor, corruption of minors and indecent exposure, online court records show.
He is being housed at the McKean County Jail, on $30,000 bail.