Lackawanna County has charged a Scranton man with two counts of aggravated indecent assault of a child, corruption of a minor, and endangering the welfare of a child. Joseph Sowka is charged with the assault of his girlfriend's daughter from the time she was nine years old until thirteen when she disclosed the alleged abuse. These charges are serious felonies involving more than twenty years in prison if convicted. Additionally, any person who is convicted of a sex crime in PA will need to register as a sex offender after finishing their sentence.  

If you have been accused of a sex crime, contact the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team today. They have experience in criminal defense, including defending against child abuse allegations. Call the LLF Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or leave your details online, and we will contact you.  

Aggravated Indecent Assault of a Child 

Under PA law, 18 Pa. C.S. § 3101, aggravated indecent assault includes the touching of intimate parts of another person's body without consent. Where the acts are committed against a child under the age of 13, the offense becomes aggravated indecent assault of a child. Aggravated indecent assault of a child is a first-degree felony punishable by up to twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. 

Abuse Allegations More Common Than You Think  

While allegations of sexual abuse are serious crimes that must always be taken seriously and investigated, not every allegation is true. Sometimes, these allegations are made to gain advantage in a divorce or custody proceeding or out of jealousy or spite. The charges are devastating for the individual accused of touching a child. Sex crimes are among the most damaging allegations that can be made against a person, even if they subsequently are found not guilty. Charges of sexual abuse of a child can destroy the life of the individual against whom the allegations are made.  

If You Are Accused of Sexual Abuse 

If you are accused of sexual abuse of a stepchild or the child of a dating partner, you must find experienced legal counsel immediately. You might need to act quickly to avoid contact with the person accusing you. Be careful what you do and say, and call a lawyer immediately. It is impossible to effectively defend against charges this damaging without experienced counsel.  

How the LLF Law Firm Can Help 

The LLF Law Firm Team will fight to protect your name and reputation against these claims. Anyone found guilty of the sexual assault of a child will be required to register as a sex offender, severely limiting future employment and housing. This is after a lengthy prison sentence. Call the experienced attorneys at the LLF Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or contact us online. Don't wait—these crimes are punishable with long prison sentences, and courts do not look favorably on those accused of child abuse.