The trial of a Shenandoah man who allegedly raped a 12-year-old girl and got her pregnant will highlight the June criminal term, which will start today and run through June 14 in Schuylkill County Court.
Hector Rico, 34, faces 32 sex-related charges, including four counts each of rape of a child, aggravated indecent assault and statutory sexual assault.
However, the exact starting date of his trial has not been determined, nor has it been assigned to a judge.
Shenandoah police have alleged that Rico had sexual relations with the child in a borough residence during most of the 2014-15 school year, lasting until March 19, 2015, when she told her mother what had occurred.
At Rico’s preliminary hearing on May 7, 2015, the girl testified Rico had sexual relations with her more than once a week while her mother was at work.
Assistant District Attorney Debra A. Smith will prosecute the case, while Assistant Public Defender Kent D. Watkins will represent Rico.
Rico’s jury trial is one of 12 scheduled to be held during the term, Deputy Court Administrator John Richmond said Friday.
While officials had expected the term to have more cases, Richmond said guilty pleas and continuances reduced the number of trials that would be held.
First Assistant District Attorney John T. Fegley said Friday that some cases that were expected to be tried could not be.
“There were some last-minute issues that required continuances” in some of those cases, he said.
Four jury trials are scheduled to begin today. Defendants in those cases include:
• Robert Boardman, 52, of Pottsville, who is charged with driving under the influence, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and careless driving. Judge Jacqueline L. Russell will preside over the case.
• Clarence E. Eckert Jr., 47, of New Philadelphia, who is charged with aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person and simple assault. President Judge William E. Baldwin will preside over the case.
• Donna Hartranft, 42, of Pottsville, who is charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Judge John E. Domalakes will preside over the case.
• Marcellus A. Jones, 37, of Frackville, who is charged with aggravated harassment by prisoner, simple assault and harassment. Judge James P. Goodman will preside over the case.