Triple threat: clay township man faces child indecency charges

Triple Threat: Clay Township Man Faces Child Indecency Charges

December 4, 2024

Lititz, PA — Andrew Joseph Leisey, a 53-year-old resident of Clay Township, has waived his preliminary hearing, advancing his case directly to Lancaster County Court. The decision came during a hearing before Judge Torrey Landis on November 25, where Leisey faces serious allegations of child sexual abuse.

Leisey is charged with multiple counts, including three counts each of aggravated indecent assault of a child, indecent assault of a person less than 13 years of age, and corruption of minors. These charges stem from incidents alleged to have occurred over several years, involving three different juvenile victims.

The allegations against Leisey surfaced in July when one victim reported to investigators that she was inappropriately touched by Leisey between 2013 and 2015 at his residence on Burkholder Drive. She was approximately 5 to 7 years old during these incidents. Following this report, further investigation by the Northern Lancaster County Regional Police uncovered two more victims who claimed similar abuse occurred at Leisey’s previous home on Hurst Drive in Ephrata.

The second victim, who was between 7 and 9 years old from 2001 to 2003, reported frequent inappropriate touching, including several instances where Leisey touched her genitals under her underwear. A third victim, aged around 8 to 10 between 2005 and 2007, also recounted Leisey touching her genitals under her clothing.

During a separate bail hearing held on the same day, Leisey’s attorney sought a reduction of his $50,000 bail, but this was denied by Judge Landis. The judge deemed the bail appropriate considering the gravity of the charges and the number of victims involved.

The case has stirred considerable attention in the community, emphasizing the ongoing efforts of local law enforcement to address and prosecute cases of child abuse. Leisey’s next court appearance details are yet to be scheduled but will be part of the Lancaster County Court docket.

Community members are reminded of the importance of reporting any suspicious behavior involving minors to law enforcement to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of children.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

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