Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Blair County Man Arrested for Stalking and Sexually Assaulting Teenage Girl on Christmas Eve

Authorities from the Greenfield Township police department have apprehended a Blair County man on charges of stalking and sexually assaulting a teenage girl during the festive season. The incident occurred on Christmas Eve and has sent shockwaves through the community.

Police Respond to Report of Runaway Teen

After receiving a distressing report of a runaway teen, law enforcement swiftly responded to the scene. The teenage victim, aged 15, recounted a harrowing experience of being raped by the accused, identified as 32-year-old Keith Morse from Claysburg.

Teen Alleges Abduction and Assault

During the investigation, the young survivor revealed that she had been forcibly taken to Morse’s apartment after being dropped off to visit relatives. Morse allegedly grabbed her and coerced her into his residence against her will.

Physical and Sexual Assault

The authorities were disturbed to learn that Morse proceeded to subject the teenager to both physical and sexual assault. The assailant reportedly forced her to engage in various sexual acts, causing immense trauma and distress.

A Nightmare That Seemed Endless

When questioned about the duration of the assault, the brave young victim described it as an agonizing eternity. The ordeal seemed interminable, exacerbating the psychological toll it took on her.

Escape and Disclosure

After enduring the traumatic assault, the teenager managed to escape Morse’s clutches and sought refuge in her relatives’ apartment. She courageously disclosed the horrifying incident to her family, who promptly alerted the authorities.

Alleged Stalking and Lack of Familiarity

Shedding light on her relationship with the accused, the survivor mentioned that she was acquainted with Morse but did not have a personal connection with him. She expressed feelings of being stalked by him, adding another disturbing layer to the case.

Contrasting Statements

When questioned about the accusations, Morse provided a conflicting account. He claimed that the teenager had voluntarily visited his apartment to spend time together and decorate for the holiday season. Morse alleged that after completing the festive preparations, they engaged in consensual sexual intercourse.

Morse further stated that the teenager had misled him about her age, informing him that she was in her 20s. However, investigators found no evidence to support Morse’s claims of prior direct communication with the victim.

Legal Consequences

Following the investigation, Morse faced multiple charges, including aggravated indecent assault, rape, statutory sexual assault, and unlawful restraint. On Tuesday, he was arraigned, and the court set his bail at $150,000. Morse is currently detained in the Blair County Prison.

This distressing incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance, community support, and swift action in combating crimes against vulnerable individuals. The authorities continue to work diligently to ensure justice for the survivor and to prevent such heinous acts from occurring in the future.

.