Albion man charged with rape of a child
A 43-year-old Albion man is facing rape charges for allegedly assaulting a girl on multiple occasions when she was 8 or 9 years old.
Scott Alan Widener allegedly raped and molested her on four occasions, according to an affidavit of probable cause.
State police became aware of the alleged incidents when the girl, now 15, told a family friend who called ChildLine, a child welfare services hot line.
State police Trooper Timothy Kirsch interviewed her in April. She told him that on multiple occasions he touched her inappropriately when they were both naked. She told police some of the acts hurt her.
She said Widener told her never to tell anyone. She said she was scared to tell anyone, and thought that if she never did she could forget, according to the complaint.
Police interviewed the alleged victim’s grandmother, who owned the house where the girl lived during some of the reported incidents. The grandmother said the girl initially seemed to enjoy being around Widener. Suddenly, she said she moved out and never wanted to be with him, according to the complaint.
The grandmother said one time she mentioned the girl’s younger sister was with Widener. She said she became very upset and said “Please go get her and don’t let him hurt her,” police said.
Police said the alleged victim’s mother denied any knowledge that Widener was sexually abusing her daughter.
Widener is facing one count of rape of a child and three counts each of aggravated indecent assault of a person less than 13 years old and indecent assault of a person less than 13 years old, according to court documents.
Charges were filed before District Judge Michael Metros Monday.