Police car at the scene of a criminal related incident

Allentown, Pa. – Police in Allentown have arrested a local man for a heinous act against a 12-year-old girl.

Police said Joshua Mickey Martel was is charged with numerous sexual offenses. In the first case, involving a 12-year-old girl, Martel is charged with Rape of a Child, Rape by Forcible Compulsion, Statutory Sexual Assault Trafficking in Individuals and Patronizing a Victim of Sexual Servitude, all felonies of the first degree; Sexual Assault a felony of the second degree; Corruption of Minors, a felony of the third degree; Indecent Assault without Consent and Simple Assault, both misdemeanors of the second degree.

In a case involving a second victim, a 13-year-old girl, Martel is charged with Statutory Sexual Assault,

“Unlawful Contact with a Minor, both felonies of the first degree; and Corruption of Minors and Sexual Abuse of Children – Possession of Child Pornography; both felonies of the third degree.

“Martel was taken into custody today. He was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Michael D’Amore and bail was set at $500,000 for both cases. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 10,” police said. “On July 31, 2024, the victim, a 12-year-old girl, reported to a guardian that her mother sold her for cash and drugs to Martel. Sometime between April 23 and April 24, 2024, the victim told investigators that her mother took her and siblings to a hotel in the 1000 block of Airport Road in Allentown where they split a room with Martel.”

According to APD, the victim told investigators she witnessed Martel give her mother cash and drugs before leaving her alone in the hotel room with Martel.

Martel sexually and physically assaulted the victims. During the rape and assault, the victim said she tried to get away, but Martel would not allow her.

In the second case, a school resource officer received information that the 13-year-old victim may be at the same Airport Road hotel with Martel. In that case, police say the victim was picked up after school by an Uber on May 21, 2024, and failed to show up at school the next day.

Police found the victim in Martel’s hotel room and she said Martel sexually assaulted her.

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