Lewistown man charged with sexually assaulting a child

Police allege abuse occurred over multiple occasions

LEWISTOWN -- A Delaware County man is facing dozens of felony charges after Lewistown police allege he repeatedly sexually assaulted a 10-year-old child over multiple occasions earlier this year.

Russell Elwood Stabley IV, 38, of Delta, was charged Aug. 7 with six counts each of rape, rape of a child and statutory sexual assault, four counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, 10 counts of sexual assault, three counts each of corruption of minors and endangering the welfare of children.

Stabley was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Craig A. Weston, bail was set at $500,000 and he was committed to the Mifflin County Correctional Facility after failing to post bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 19.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, police interviewed Stabley on Feb. 6 while he was incarcerated on an unrelated matter. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Stabley waived those rights and acknowledged he knew the child's mother and had previously been in a relationship with her for about two years. He told investigators the mother had experienced health issues requiring frequent hospital visits and acknowledged knowing the child involved in the investigation but denied the allegations.

Police said the investigation began after the child participated in a forensic interview at the Children's Advocacy Center in Bellefonte on Feb. 24. During the interview, the child alleged Stabley sexually assaulted them on numerous occasions while the child's mother was at the hospital.

According to the affidavit, the child also alleged being forced to watch pornographic videos and described multiple instances of sexual abuse occurring at a residence in Lewistown. Investigators allege the assaults occurred on at least six occasions and involved additional acts supporting the numerous charges filed.

Court records show Stabley remains incarcerated in the Mifflin County Correctional Facility in lieu of $500,000 bail while awaiting his preliminary hearing.