New Kensington man charged after ChildLine reports allege abuse of 13-year-old
NEW KENSINGTON, PA — A 21-year-old New Kensington man is being held in Westmoreland County Prison after police filed multiple felony charges stemming from allegations of sexual abuse involving a 13-year-old girl, according to a case summary published by authorities.
New Kensington Police and Westmoreland County detectives said the investigation began after ChildLine received a report alleging possible sexual assault. Investigators said the alleged victim was initially uncooperative. Police said a second ChildLine report was received in October involving the same alleged victim and alleged suspect and referenced an ongoing situation involving a minor.
Detectives said the alleged victim later reported meeting the suspect, identified as Devanier Morris, through Snapchat. According to investigators, the alleged victim initially told Morris she was 17, then later told him she was 13. Police allege that sexual contact continued after that disclosure.
Authorities said the alleged victim reported that some encounters were not consensual and described coercion and threats, including an allegation involving a gun. Police also said the alleged victim reported alcohol use in connection with the allegations and described more than a dozen encounters.
Investigators said a forensic examination of the alleged victim’s phone located videos and images that are cited in the criminal allegations. Authorities allege the material was created or requested by Morris.
Morris is charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse of a person less than 16 years of age, photographing/filming a sex act involving a child, statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault of a child, corruption of minors, and indecent assault of a person less than 16 years of age, according to the case listing.
Police said Morris was arraigned and remanded to the Westmoreland County Prison after failing to post $100,000 bail.
The case remains pending in court. All charges are allegations, and Morris is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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