Altoona, PA (WJAC) — State police in Blair County say an Altoona man is behind bars after he was accused of raping a 12-year-old girl earlier this year.
Troopers say in early March, authorities were contacted to investigate the alleged sexual assault of a young girl after she had been reported missing and then returned, at which time she reportedly told her family that she had "engaged in sexual intercourse" with 24-year-old Jesus Lamour Romero.
According to the victim, Lamour Romero had allegedly picked the girl up from her home and the two were later dropped off at the Logan Hills Apartments.
Police say the two allegedly engaged in various sexual activity while at the apartment complex.
Investigators say the girl also admitted to exchanging nude photos with Lamour Romero, via Snapchat, prior to the alleged assault.
According to the affidavit, police say the girl also stated that she "believed" that Lamour Romero had previously been charged with rape in New York state.
Lamour Romero reportedly told the victim not to tell anyone about the assault because he "didn't want to catch a case."
According to online court records, Lamour Romero was arraigned Wednesday on various charges, including rape of a child, aggravated indecent assault and corruption of minors.
He is being held at the Blair County Prison on $350,000 bail.
ncG1vNJzZmivmpawtcKNnKamZ56axLR7y6iamqRfnnqlu82tZLCZnql6tbuMnJitm5hirm6vwKycZpmcqbywusBmpJqmXZawpMHSnptmp5Ziv6K8yKeeZmliYsamrdFmpqWcXZy2s7iMqaqpZaOWxrQ%3D