Emporium man accused of raping teen decades ago; claimed 'God made him do it'

CAMERON COUNTY, Pa (WJAC) State police in Cameron County say an Emporium man is facing charges, accused of repeatedly raping a teenage girl, decades ago. According to the affidavit, troopers were contacted in January to investigate allegations of sexual assault at a home along Rich Valley Road, in Shippen Township.

State police in Cameron County say an Emporium man is facing charges, accused of repeatedly raping a teenage girl, decades ago.

According to the affidavit, troopers were contacted in January to investigate allegations of sexual assault at a home along Rich Valley Road, in Shippen Township.

Police say the victim alleged that between August 1997 and March of 2000, she was repeatedly assaulted by Richard Bennett, now age 77.

Investigators say the victim disclosed that she would have been approximately 13 to 15 years old at the time of the alleged abuse.

Troopers say the victim described multiple incidents of alleged sexual abuse, including one incident in which Bennett reportedly told her "if you enjoyed it, you're sick."

Investigators say the victim also told police that Bennett was "angry with God," and would reportedly tell her that, "God made him do this to her."

Police say last week, troopers received an emailed letter from Bennett in which he reportedly stated that he would "accept responsibility for his actions."

According to online court records, Bennett was arraigned Thursday on charges of felony rape, sexual assault, statutory sexual assault and aggravated indecent assault.

He has since been released on unsecured bail.

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