CLARION, Pa. (EYT) — A Knox man was sentenced to up to six years in state prison on Wednesday on statutory sexual assault and related charges.

Clarion County President Judge James Arner sentenced 23-year-old Russell James Reedy Jr. to a minimum of two years and a maximum of six years in state prison.

Reedy was ordered to serve a minimum of 12 months to a maximum of 36 months on one second-degree felony count of statutory sexual assault: 8-11 years older and to serve a minimum of 12 months to a maximum of 36 months on one second-degree felony count of interference with custody of children. The sentences will run consecutively.

Reedy pleaded guilty to the above charges on July 10 in Clarion County Court of Common Pleas.

As a result of the plea agreement, the following charges were dismissed:

• Aggravated Indecent Assault — Comp. Less Than 16, Felony 2
• Unlawful Contact With Minor — Sexual Offenses, Felony 2
• Corruption Of Minors — Defendant Age 18 or Above, Felony 2
• Indecent Assault Person Less 16 Yrs Age, Misdemeanor 2

Reedy remains lodged in the Clarion County Jail awaiting transfer to a state prison facility.

The charges stem from an investigation initiated in January based on a Childline report.

According to a criminal complaint filed by Clarion-based State Police Trooper Berggren, the investigation was initiated on January 24 after a report was made to Childline and Clarion County CYS indicating that Russell Reedy Jr. was found kissing an underage girl. The incident was observed by a relative of the victim.

Further investigation revealed that Reedy and the victim were communicated via Facebook and agreed to meet at a location in Strattanville on February 20.

The arrangements were made just one day after a Protection from Abuse Order (PFA) was issued prohibiting Reedy from making contact with the victim.

Following a search, Reedy and the victim were located and transported to the Clarion State Police barracks. During an interview with police, the victim indicated that she and Reedy “had a sexual relationship.”

Reedy was subsequently placed in the Clarion County Jail on February 20 for violating the PFA order.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Several details were withheld from this article to help protect the identity of the victim.