Blog

PA Man Charged With Exposing Himself to Young Girls From His Vehicle

Posted by Joseph D. Lento | May 16, 2024 | 0 Comments

On March 11, 2024, police responded to a report of alleged indecent exposure to children in Lynn Township. After not finding a suspect at the scene, they continued their investigation and ultimately charged 62-year-old Blaine Alan Arner with indecent exposure, open lewdness, and luring a child into a motor vehicle. Notably, police relied on witness testimonies and confirmations to identify Arner after the fact. 

Police take sexual crimes that involve children extremely seriously, and you deserve to have your rights respected during investigations and criminal proceedings. If you are facing similar charges, the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can help craft a solid defense. Call our team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us through our confidential online form

How Police Brought Charges in This Case 

Police did not respond to the call and immediately apprehended Arner. In fact, before arriving at the Lehigh County Jail, he was already in custody on unrelated matters in a different part of Pennsylvania. 

After the incident, police released information to the public based on the statements of the child and others at the scene. The following day, police identified what they believed to be the truck used in the incident parked at Arner's home. However, the police could not get in contact with him at that time. 

Later, a separate witness confirmed to investigators that Arner was their suspect, the one who approached the group of children and exposed himself while in his vehicle. Arner was already in custody in Schuylkill County for multiple felony charges relating to theft and illegal firearm possession. 

Defenses to Charges of Sexual Crimes in Pennsylvania 

This case brings up good questions about the kinds of defenses available to Pennsylvania residents facing sexual criminal charges. A solid defense should raise a reasonable doubt in the jury's mind that the accused committed the crime as alleged. 

The most common defenses that may apply to your situation include: 

  • Lack of Evidence: Pennsylvania law allows for accusations alone to result in convictions for sex crimes, although a conviction with this level of evidence is rare. Experienced attorneys can point out areas where evidence does not point toward the conclusion laid out by the prosecution. In the case of Arner, there is minimal evidence that can prove he definitively exposed himself to those young girls. 
  • Consent: In this situation, where someone is alleged to have exposed himself to young girls from his vehicle, there is no argument for consent, but your situation may be different. If consent is at the heart of your criminal charges, a valid defense may be to argue that the acts were consensual and legal. 
  • Innocence: Arner can possibly argue his innocence if he can prove that he could not have been the person alleged to commit the crime. For example, depending on the timeline of events, his other alleged criminal actions and subsequent custody in another county may rule him out as a suspect. For other sex crimes, defending against accusations by claiming innocence can involve DNA tests or proving that accusations are knowingly malicious. 

No matter the charges you face, our experienced attorneys can determine what defense gives you the best chance at avoiding a guilty verdict. 

Contact Experienced Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Attorneys 

If you were arrested and charged with sexual crimes in Pennsylvania, legal representation that protects your rights and promotes your interests can make a world of difference in safeguarding your future. Contact the Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or through our website to get started on your defense. 

About the Author

Joseph D. Lento

"I pride myself on having heart and driving hard to get results!" Attorney Joseph D. Lento passionately fights for the futures of his clients in criminal courtrooms in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania as well as in New Jersey and nationwide. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. With unparalleled experience occupying several roles in the criminal justice system outside of being an attorney, Joseph D. Lento can give you valuable behind-the-scenes insight as to what is happening during all phases of the legal process. Joseph D. Lento is licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, and is admitted pro hac vice as needed nationwide. In the courtroom and in life, attorney Joseph D. Lento stands up when the bell rings!

Comments

There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.

Leave a Comment

Comments have been disabled.

Contact Us Today!

The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

Menu