“Mark Anthony Shehady Sentenced for Indecent Assault Charge in Armstrong County | SEO-Optimized Title”

Accident – death – Obituary News : Allegheny County Resident Sentenced for Indecent Assault Charge in Armstrong County

Mark Anthony Shehady, a 25-year-old resident of Pittsburgh, has been sentenced following an indecent assault charge filed in Armstrong County. The sentence was handed down during an open plea agreement hearing on August 2, 2023, with the Armstrong County District Attorney’s Office. Shehady pleaded guilty to a first-degree misdemeanor indecent assault charge, which stipulates that he will have to file as a registered sex offender for 25 years.

The sentencing, presided over by Armstrong County Court of Common Pleas President Judge James J. Panchik, resulted in Shehady being sentenced to a minimum of 11 months to a maximum of 23 months in jail. As part of the plea agreement, nine third-degree felony charges were dropped against him.

The case against Shehady began on December 6, 2022, when he waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Ford City Magisterial District Judge J. Gary DeComo. This decision was based on an affidavit of probable cause filed by South Buffalo Township Police Department Chief Jeffrey J. Kuntz. The charges in the complaint included sexual assault by a sports official, unlawful contact with a minor, child pornography, and corruption of minors-defendant age 18 or above.

According to court papers, the investigation began on October 19, 2022, when Chief Kuntz received a Childline report of suspected child abuse and neglect involving Shehady and a 16-year-old individual. The victim’s identity is protected, and their allegations are taken seriously by law enforcement.

Shehady is the owner/operator of Shehady Basketball, a service that offers basketball teaching, assistance in running basketball camps and clinics, and collaboration with high school basketball teams. According to the business’ website, Shehady has run basketball camps in numerous locations across the United States and in multiple countries.

Through his business, Shehady had the opportunity to meet and work with the victim. The victim stated during a forensic interview that they were 15 years old when they first met Shehady. The relationship between Shehady and the victim became more serious and eventually developed into a physical relationship.

Shehady allegedly created opportunities for alone time with the victim by falsely informing the victim’s mother about scheduled videography sessions. During these encounters, the relationship turned sexual. The victim disclosed three specific instances of sexual encounters with Shehady, all occurring when they were 16 years old.

The encounters took place within South Buffalo Township, near the Shehady Basketball facility. An alternative secluded area used for these encounters was described as a dirt road near a graveyard, not far from the facility. After the encounters, Shehady would take the victim out to eat or they would drive around and talk.

Further details provided by the victim include a “date” at the Longhorn Steak House at the Pittsburgh Mills Mall in Frazier Township, Allegheny County, and the exchange of explicit pictures via text message. The victim stated that they sent Shehady at least two pictures of their naked body, as requested. Shehady also sent pictures of himself in underwear to the victim.

On October 16, 2022, the victim quit being a member of the traveling basketball team that Shehady coached. Chief Kuntz, based on the victim’s disclosures during the forensic interview and the information contained within the affidavit of probable cause, requested an arrest warrant for Shehady.

The sentencing of Mark Anthony Shehady serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting minors from potential predators. The legal system has taken steps to hold Shehady accountable for his actions, ensuring that he will be registered as a sex offender for 25 years. It is crucial for parents, guardians, and communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicions of child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.

By raising awareness and promoting a safe environment for all, we can help prevent such incidents and protect our most vulnerable members of society..