From staff reports

McVEYTOWN — A 47-year-old man is being held on $1 million for his involvement in a violent dispute that caused a victim to be hospitalized.

Robert Allen Rupert, of McVeytown, was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Kent Smith on charges of indecent assault, aggravated indecent assault, rape, strangulation, aggravated assault, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, terroristic threats, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and illegal possession of a firearm.

According to the Affidavit of Probable Cause, police were called to a Bratton Township residence on July 13 for a domestic dispute. A witness reported that there was a history of domestic violence in the home.

When interviewed, police said the victim appeared nervous and fearful to speak with police. The victim reportedly stated “he’s going to kill me” during the interview.

The victim they were arguing throughout the day and the arguments became physical when Rupert “made (the victim) hold (their) hands above (their) head, then struck (them) multiple times with a closed fist, a 2″x4” wooden paddle and a horse switch and that Rupert’s aggravation got worse as the day went on.

The victim said at one point, Rupert retrieved a handgun when minors who were in the residence went to the store. The victim told police that Rupert grabbed them by the head and forcefully jammed the handgun into the rear of her throat, then instructed them to hold the gun in their mouth or he would pull the trigger.

The victim stated that the gun was loaded with the hammer cocked back and the safety off.

Police said they observed bruising to the victim’s face, mouth and chest.

When asked, Rupert denied any physical contact, telling police he had been sleeping.

The victim also stated that Rupert would threaten to beat her if they did not allow him to perform sexual acts on them.

Rupert was taken into custody and transported to Mifflin County Correctional Facility. The victim was transported to Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital for a physical and sexual assault evaluation.

Rupert is being held in Mifflin County Correctional Facility, unable to post $1 million bail. He is awaiting a preliminary hearing set for 1 p.m. Aug. 22.