A business owner in Lycoming County already charged with child pornography now faces much more serious charges.
The man and his wife were in Lycoming County court Wednesday for a hearing on child pornography charges. That's when they found out prosecutors were changing some charges against that man to something that carries a more severe punishment.
Greg Barto and his wife, Amber, were arrested earlier this month. She was accused of videotaping him having sex with underage girls.
Now troopers have charged Greg Barto with rape after an alleged victim gave investigators new information. He and his wife were quiet yet again on their way into court in Muncy. Troopers charged the couple with making child pornography and separate drug charges earlier this month.
Almost one year ago troopers raided Barto's business along Route 405 near Hughesville after an underaged girl accused Barto of offering her drugs and money in exchange for sex.
Now prosecutors say the victim was also forced to have sex with Greg Barto.
"He was charged with felony one rape with a juvenile. The victim was 17 at the time," said Assistant District Attorney Mary Kilgus.
Prosecutors agreed if the Bartos gave up their right to a hearing and the alleged victim did not have to testify, Greg Barto could stay free on bail for now.
Defense attorney George Lepley spoke for the Bartos, saying the accusations, including rape, are not true.
"That victim was on the stand for time. Transcript of testimony. What she's saying now is completely different, 180 degrees difference than what she testified to previously," Lepley said.
Greg Barto is free on bail for now but that could change as early as next week because of the upgraded rape charges. Court documents state Greg Barto threatened his victim with a knife, saying not to tell anyone about the rape or he would kill her.
"I think about keeping him away from people and girls that live in the community. That's what I'm thinking of. If I can do that I will," Kilgus added.
Troopers were tipped off about the child pornography after the 17 year old accused Barto in June of last year.
Before the couple gave up their right to a hearing Wednesday prosecutors planned to show one of the videos they said troopers found in the Bartos' home.
The man and his wife were in Lycoming County court Wednesday for a hearing on child pornography charges. That's when they found out prosecutors were changing some charges against that man to something that carries a more severe punishment.
Greg Barto and his wife, Amber, were arrested earlier this month. She was accused of videotaping him having sex with underage girls.
Now troopers have charged Greg Barto with rape after an alleged victim gave investigators new information. He and his wife were quiet yet again on their way into court in Muncy. Troopers charged the couple with making child pornography and separate drug charges earlier this month.
Almost one year ago troopers raided Barto's business along Route 405 near Hughesville after an underaged girl accused Barto of offering her drugs and money in exchange for sex.
Now prosecutors say the victim was also forced to have sex with Greg Barto.
"He was charged with felony one rape with a juvenile. The victim was 17 at the time," said Assistant District Attorney Mary Kilgus.
Prosecutors agreed if the Bartos gave up their right to a hearing and the alleged victim did not have to testify, Greg Barto could stay free on bail for now.
Defense attorney George Lepley spoke for the Bartos, saying the accusations, including rape, are not true.
"That victim was on the stand for time. Transcript of testimony. What she's saying now is completely different, 180 degrees difference than what she testified to previously," Lepley said.
Greg Barto is free on bail for now but that could change as early as next week because of the upgraded rape charges. Court documents state Greg Barto threatened his victim with a knife, saying not to tell anyone about the rape or he would kill her.
"I think about keeping him away from people and girls that live in the community. That's what I'm thinking of. If I can do that I will," Kilgus added.
Troopers were tipped off about the child pornography after the 17 year old accused Barto in June of last year.
Before the couple gave up their right to a hearing Wednesday prosecutors planned to show one of the videos they said troopers found in the Bartos' home.
