A judge said Tuesday there is enough evidence to send a man from Lackawanna County to trial for molesting and sexually assaulting a young girl.
Steven Guzzi of the Moscow area is charged with 18 counts ranging from rape and molestation to endangering the welfare of a child.
And as Guzzi left the Lackawanna County courthouse with his mother and sister as hit side he was not happy that television cameras were there and let loose a string of expletives.
The crimes allegedly happened over a four-year period at a mobile home park near Moscow, and the sexual abuse allegedly started when Guzzi's victim was only ten years old.
"He told her not to tell. She was confused and scared. She didn't tell anyone and that's the pattern that we usually see in these young victims," said Assistant District Attorney Michelle Olshefski.
Guzzi's attorney, Paul Walker, feels confident his client is innocent. "It's difficult when you have a relationship with someone and you see them take the stand and lie about you," Walker said.
Guzzi's alleged victim painted a much different picture in court. The girl claims Guzzi forced her to have sex.
"Oh, victim's never get over this. They live with this kind of abuse and violation for the rest of their lives," Olshefski added.
No trial date has been set for Steven Guzzi. He is free on bail and living with his mother in Lackawanna County.
Steven Guzzi of the Moscow area is charged with 18 counts ranging from rape and molestation to endangering the welfare of a child.
And as Guzzi left the Lackawanna County courthouse with his mother and sister as hit side he was not happy that television cameras were there and let loose a string of expletives.
The crimes allegedly happened over a four-year period at a mobile home park near Moscow, and the sexual abuse allegedly started when Guzzi's victim was only ten years old.
"He told her not to tell. She was confused and scared. She didn't tell anyone and that's the pattern that we usually see in these young victims," said Assistant District Attorney Michelle Olshefski.
Guzzi's attorney, Paul Walker, feels confident his client is innocent. "It's difficult when you have a relationship with someone and you see them take the stand and lie about you," Walker said.
Guzzi's alleged victim painted a much different picture in court. The girl claims Guzzi forced her to have sex.
"Oh, victim's never get over this. They live with this kind of abuse and violation for the rest of their lives," Olshefski added.
No trial date has been set for Steven Guzzi. He is free on bail and living with his mother in Lackawanna County.
