Joshua Xavier Barden, 33, from Vandergrift, is in custody for allegedly raping a young child in Porter Township, according to Punxsutawney-based State Police. Charges filed on July 1 include multiple counts related to incidents between 2021 and 2022 when the victim, now nine years old, was allegedly abused multiple times. Barden reportedly admitted to a known female that he was involved, claiming it was accidental and that the child had asked him to engage in inappropriate acts.
Barden was charged with the following :
- Rape of Child, Felony 1 (four counts)
- IDSI Person Less Than 16 Yrs Age, Felony 1 (four counts)
- Sexual Assault, Felony 2 (four counts)
- Invol. Deviate Sexual Intercourse W/ Child, Felony (four counts)
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