Published: January 04, 2009 10:32 pm      

Sexual abuse cases reported

SOMERSET, Pa. — Following the New Year’s holiday, Pennsylvania State Police in Somerset arrested two individuals in separate cases involving alleged sexual assault.

The first incident involved a 2-year-old victim from Berlin who was visiting a Shanksville home with her mother. The victim was reportedly sexually assaulted by a 16-year-old male resident of the home sometime between 4:15 and 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 1.

The victim was taken to Somerset Hospital for treatment and was released.

The suspect reportedly will be charged through the juvenile court system. The investigation of the case is continuing.

The second incident happened at 1 p.m. on Jan. 2. The victim, a 14-year-old male from Somerset, was reportedly subjected to “indecent contact,” according to state police reports, by Luther Harkcom, 81, also of Somerset.

The assault reportedly occurred inside Harkcom’s residence at Sunny Acres Trailer Court.

Harkcom was arrested and charged with sexual assault and corruption of minors. He was arraigned and released with a no contact bond.

A preliminary hearing will be scheduled in Somerset District Court.