Westover man accused of sexually abusing four girls waives hearing – GantNews.com

CLEARFIELD – A local Amish man is accused of sexually abusing four young girls.

Simon M. Lee, 34, of Westover is charged by Punxsutawney State Police with rape with coercion (nine counts), rape of a child causing great bodily injury, rape of a child (12 counts), involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child (eight counts) and aggravated sexual assault (16 counts).

The abuse began in June 2022 and continued until August 1, according to the affidavit of probable cause filed with the Houtzdale Magistrate's Office.

At the time of the alleged assaults, Victim 1 was between six and eight years old, Victim 2 was between five and seven years old, Victim 3 was between three and five years old, and Victim 4 was between two and four years old.

State police said the investigation was launched after the father of two victims reported that Lee had abused the four victims.

The incidents reportedly occurred at two different locations – about one and a half miles apart – in Burnside Township, Clearfield County.

The victims were interviewed at the county's Child Advocacy Center.

Victim 1 reported that Lee “frequently” touched her inappropriately under her clothes and that they wanted to leave but Lee did not allow it.

Lee is also said to have raped her.

The victim told investigators that she knew about the abuse of the other victims.

Victim 2 said Lee also wouldn't let her go. He described how he held her down during his attacks and how she was never able to get away from him. This happened so often that she couldn't remember a specific incident.

“It happened every time she saw him,” she reported.

Victim 3 said Lee “hurt” her and sexually assaulted her on more than one occasion.

Investigators tried to question Victim 4, but she just looked down and did not speak.

State police interviewed the parents of two of the victims, and they said one of the girls told them that Lee abused not only her but the other victims as well.

They spoke to all four victims, who confirmed that this was true.

Afterwards, the father said, he confronted Lee, who then burst into tears and begged for forgiveness.

He said Lee confessed his sins to the bishop of the Amish Church, was punished and then shunned for about four weeks.

Lee waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Wednesday and transferred his case to district court. He remains in the county jail, unable to post $1,000,000 bail.