Lock Haven man found guilty in 2016 rape of 9-year-old

LOCK HAVEN, PA – A Clinton County jury consisting of eight women and four men returned a verdict of guilty on all five counts in Clinton County Court on Thursday afternoon following a one-day trial before Judge Michael F. Salisbury.

Edgar John Willits, Jr., of Lock Haven was convicted of rape of a child; aggravated indecent assault of a child; sexual assault; indecent assault; and corruption of minors. The jury deliberated for approximately one hour before reaching a guilty verdict on all five counts charged, and delivered the verdict shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday.

District Attorney Dave Strouse prosecuted the case for the Commonwealth, and Detective Richard Simpson of the Lock Haven City Police spearheaded the investigation. Willits was represented at trial by attorney Fred Lingle.

Strouse presented several witnesses during the trial, including the victim who was 9 years-old at the time of the assault. The victim, now 14, testified for nearly and hour and described the 2016 assault in excruciating detail for the jury and explained how the assault by Willits had turned her life and family upside down.

Willits is scheduled for sentencing December 6 and will be required to undergo a Sexual Offender’s Assessment to determine whether he should be classified as a Sexually Violent Predator (SVP). Willits will be a lifetime Megan’s Law Registrant. Source: Clinton County District Attorney’s Office

Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://clinton.crimewatchpa.com/da/133000/post/lock-haven-man-guilty-2016-rape-9-year-old-girl