A Pennsylvania school crossing guard has been arrested and charged with repeatedly raping a 15-year-old girl in his garage last summer.
Ronald Rossman, 73, was arraigned on 11 charges, including rape, sexual assault, forcible compulsion, and corruption of minors, court documents say.
According to reports from WJAC, an affidavit characterizes the teenager as having “a developmental delay which impacts her ability to speak and behave.” The young girl disclosed to authorities that she frequently went to Rossman’s residence in their neighborhood to assist with chores. During one visit, she recounted how he locked her in the garage and proceeded to make unwanted sexual advances, culminating in him sexually assaulting her in the bed of his truck.
She detailed additional instances where he sexually assaulted her using various objects such as sex toys and a candlestick. Moreover, she stated that Rossman coerced her into engaging in sexual activities with him and compelled her to undergo a pregnancy test.
The affidavit notes that Rossman refuted the accusations, instead alleging that the girl was promiscuous and had exposed herself to him. Although he did confess to purchasing a pregnancy test, he claimed that the girl had hinted at the possibility of being pregnant.
But investigators said that Rossman changed his story multiple times in the course of the months-long investigation, and they found several items in his garage that the victim detailed, including sex objects and the candlestick. The victim’s DNA was also found in the garage, including on a folding table where she said she was raped.
Rossman posted a $250,000 bond and was released from jail. His next court appearance is May 28.
