Houtzdale man accepts plea in molestation case | News, Sports, Jobs

CLEARFIELD – A Houtzdale man accused of sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl pleaded guilty during sentencing Tuesday in Clearfield County.

Vincent Emery Spencer, 47, was initially charged by state police with two felony counts each of aggravated indecent assault, unlawful contact with a minor – sexual abuse and aggravated custodial assault, in addition to two felonies , each of prison assault under 13 years. years and indecent assault in connection with incidents that occurred from May 2013 to May 2014 at a residence in Morris Township.

His plea agreement included only two counts of felony indecent assault on a person under the age of 13. Presiding Judge Fredric J. Ammerman sentenced him to 18 months to 10 years in prison, according to a court employee.

He must also serve three consecutive years of probation.

This sentence will continue with the current prison term of 12 to 30 months for a DUI offense in 2023.

Although an evaluation determined he was not a sexually violent predator, he will have to register with authorities under Megan’s Law.

According to the probable cause statement, the victim reported the assaults to authorities in August 2022. She said the first occurred at the residence while her mother was at work and Spencer was watching her.

She explained that as she was getting ready to take a shower, Spencer “suddenly and forcefully opened the door, hitting her with it.” Because she was naked, she tried to cover herself. He allegedly propped her up against the wall. She stated, “I was scared and I didn’t know what to do.”

She tried to struggle to break free, but due to his much larger size, she was unable to escape. Then he touched her breasts and inserted his fingers into her.

She told authorities she cried throughout the attack and felt helpless. Afterwards, she said she was bleeding. He wouldn’t let her out of the bathroom, saying she needed a shower. He allegedly waited for her to finish showering and get dressed. Then she was able to run to her bedroom.

The second time, she said she was in a bedroom playing a computer game when Spencer entered the room, pushed her onto the bed and removed her clothes. Then he allegedly molested her. She said he warned her not to tell anyone.

When asked by police if he assaulted her at any other time, she said it was at least twice and she did not want to talk about other times.

The victim’s mother recalled this as the same period of time when the girl became quiet, withdrawn and non-social. She has since received counseling.

When Spencer was questioned, he gave conflicting answers, saying he had been drinking heavily when the attacks allegedly happened and later claimed he was taking pain medication for an injury and might have passed out.