By BERNIE HORNICK
JOHNSTOWN — A Vintondale man has been charged with rape after Jackson Township police said he repeatedly had sex with a juvenile who is mildly retarded.
Police Chief Robert Fatula said Tuesday that Barry C. Hostetler, 39, of Olympian Way, was being held in the Cambria County Prison in lieu of $75,000 bond. A preliminary hearing will be scheduled before District Judge Mary Ann Zanghi.
Hostetler faces counts of rape and corruption of minors.
Police said in an affidavit of probable cause that Hostetler had intercourse eight times with the girl, whom he knew to be retarded, between May 1 and July 31.
Police said he tried to have sex with the minor on 20 separate occasions.
Hostetler eventually persuaded the girl – identified only by her initials in the court papers – to have sex with him, authorities said.
The girl was interviewed by a psychologist.
Though she was 16 at the time, the therapist said, “It is apparent that her cognitive difficulties interfered with her abilities to make an appropriate decision regarding this relationship.
“It is apparent that she said no initially and, therefore, Mr. Hostetler sexually perpetrated against her will.’’
