BIG RUN BOROUGH, Pa. (EYT) – Charges have been filed against a Jefferson County man who is accused of the rape of a seven-year-old child.
Court documents indicate the Punxsutawney-based State Police filed criminal charges against 29-year-old Edward Ira Tinker, of Big Run.
According to a criminal complaint, around 2:00 p.m. on February 18, a forensic interview was performed with a known seven-year-old victim at the Jefferson County Child Advocacy Center.
According to the complaint, the victim reported an incident that allegedly occurred while the victim was living at a residence in Big Run Borough with Edward Tinker.
The victim allegedly stated that Tinker said he had a “sucker” for the victim, then turned off the lights, came over, and held something in front of the victim that felt “soggy” against the victim’s mouth. The victim noted being right at Tinker’s crotch and hearing Tinker unbutton and unzip his pants.
The complaint notes the victim stated, “Eddy put it in my mouth.”
According to the complaint, the victim also reported that Tinker spanked the victim and another juvenile on their buttocks on at least five occasions.
Police also interviewed Tinker. According to the complaint, when asked about the allegations, Tinker stated, “I thought this was in the past. Why is this coming out now?”
Tinker allegedly told police that he did call to the victim, turn out the lights, and pull his genitals out, but said he then put his genitals away without doing anything more. He reported his genitals “might have touched” the victim’s lips or face as he pulled away but were never in the victim’s mouth.
Tinker was arraigned in front of Magisterial District Judge David B. Inzana at 6:17 p.m. on April 2, on the following charges:
– Rape of Child, Felony 1
– Aggravated Indecent Assault – Comp. Less Than 13 Years Old, Felony 2
– Indecent Assault Person Less than 13 Years of Age, Felony 3
– Corruption Of Minors – Defendant Age 18 or Above, Felony 3
Unable to post $60,000.00 monetary bail, he was lodged in the Jefferson County Jail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. on April 27, with Judge Inzana presiding.
EDITOR’S NOTE 1: Extreme graphic details were not included due to the sexual nature of the alleged crimes.
EDITOR’S NOTE 2: Several details were removed from this article to help protect the identity of the victim.
