Cameron County, PA (WJAC) — State police in Cameron County say an Emporium man is facing several felonies, accused of kidnapping a woman and driving her to her home where he allegedly sexually assaulted her.
Authorities say, during the early morning hours of Sunday, January 22nd, troopers were dispatched to a residence along East 5th Street for a report of a possible rape.
According to the affidavit, troopers say they observed several, visible injuries to the female victim, including multiple cuts and abrasions to her face, torso, arms and legs.
Investigators say, according to the victim, she was leaving a local establishment earlier in the evening when the suspect, 56-year-old Larry Shepard, reportedly appeared and forced himself into the driver's seat of the vehicle.
Troopers say Shepard then reportedly drove the woman to her home, at a high-rate of speed.
Authorities say the victim told police that she attempted to escape her vehicle multiple times, but was unsuccessful.
Investigators noted that both Shepard and the victim had a prior relationship together.
Police say when the the two arrived at the victim's home, Shepard allegedly shoved the victim down a flight of stairs that led to her residence.
According to the victim, investigators say once they were inside the home, Shepard reportedly began to forcibly perform sexual acts on her, despite her pleas for him to stop.
Authorities noted that they later recovered surveillance video, near the establishment where the victim was abducted, that reportedly showed Shepard waiting for her to leave.
Police say the video also reportedly showed Shepard forcibly enter the driver's side of the vehicle and drive away.
Troopers say when they questioned Shepard about the accusations, he claimed that he drove the victim home from the bar and that the two had engaged in an argument.
Police say he also admitted to performing sexual acts of the victim but claimed that it was "consensual."
According to online court records, Shepard faces a dozen various charges including rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault, kidnapping, unlawful restraint and false imprisonment.
Court dockets show that Shepard has since posted bond and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 16th.
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