Police: Local Man Behind Bars on Rape of Child Charges
OIL CITY, Pa. (EYT) – A local man is in jail on rape of a child and related charges stemming from an incident that occurred on Saturday night.
Court documents indicate the Oil City Police Department filed criminal charges against 20-year-old Skylar Rion Whitman, of Oil City, on Sunday, May 21, in Magisterial District Judge Andrew F. Fish’s office.
According to a criminal complaint, Oil City Police were dispatched to West Front Street in Oil City, Venango County, around 12:41 a.m. on Sunday, May 21, for a report of a sexual assault of a juvenile.
Upon arrival, officers made contact with the parents of the young girl. Also present was a known woman who witnessed the events that happened, the complaint states.
When officers spoke with Skylar Whitman, stated to officers that “he made a mistake,” the complaint indicates. An officer asked Whitman to clarify, and he said “doing sexual things with (the victim),” according to the complaint.
At this time, Whitman was taken into custody and transported to the Oil City Police Department. An officer asked Whitman if he was willing to speak with officers about this incident, and he agreed, the complaint notes.
At 1:53 a.m., during an audio and video interview, Whitman was read his Miranda Rights.
Whitman stated that the incident occurred on Saturday, May 20, in the late evening. He told officers that he was going to touch (the young girl) “or (have) actual intercourse” and he heard a noise downstairs.
According to the complaint, the witness observed the victim putting her pants back on.
According to the complaint, Whitman admitted to knowing that the victim was underage.
He was arraigned at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 21, on the following charges in front of Judge Fish:
- Rape Threat Of Forcible Compulsion, Felony 1
- Rape of Child, Felony 1
- Unlawful Contact With Minor – Sexual Offenses, Felony 1
- Incest of Minor – Complainant 13-18 Years, Felony 2
- Statutory Sexual Assault: 8-11 Years Older, Felony 2
- Corruption Of Minors – Defendant Age 18 or Above, Felony 3
- Indecent Exposure, Misdemeanor 1
- Indecent Assault Person Less 16 Yrs Age, Misdemeanor 2
Bail was denied. The Bail Action Reason was listed as Severity of charges/ Threat to Victim.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 31, at 8:30 a.m. in Venango County Central Court.
EDITOR’S NOTE 1: Extreme graphic details were not included due to the sexual nature of the crimes.
EDITOR’S NOTE 2: Several details were removed from this article to help protect the identity of the victims.
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