LANCASTER, PA – A Lancaster man facing multiple felony child sex abuse charges has waived his preliminary hearings, sending both of his cases to county court for prosecution.
Authorities said 37-year-old Raul Angel Lopez-Fargas is accused of sexually assaulting multiple young girls in separate incidents dating back several years. According to police, Lopez-Fargas waived his first hearing before Judge Denise Commins on January 30 and a second before Judge Jodie Richardson on February 2.
The first case involves allegations that Lopez-Fargas raped and sexually assaulted a 7- or 8-year-old girl at his South Duke Street residence in 2017 or 2018. The investigation began after the victim came forward to law enforcement in October 2025. During questioning, Lopez-Fargas reportedly admitted to the abuse, police said.
In a separate interview, investigators said Lopez-Fargas also confessed to raping a 6-year-old girl at a residence on Horseshoe Road in East Lampeter Township in 2013. Detectives later interviewed that victim, who confirmed the assault.
Two investigations merge as case moves to county court
In total, Lopez-Fargas faces ten criminal charges, eight of which are felonies, including rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent assault, corruption of minors, and endangering the welfare of children.
He remains in Lancaster County Prison without bail as both cases advance toward trial. East Lampeter Township Police Detective Christopher Jones and Lancaster City Bureau of Police Officer Harry Valverde jointly filed the charges. Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Ponessa has been assigned to prosecute.
- Raul Lopez-Fargas, 37, charged in two child sexual assault cases
- Victims were ages 6 and 7 at the time of the alleged offenses
- Suspect remains jailed without bail as cases move to county court
Officials emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office continues to coordinate both investigations as proceedings move forward.
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