A Schuylkill County man is facing multiple felony charges after an investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Investigation Unit into allegations involving a juvenile.
According to court records, Austin Christopher Wolfe, 22, of New Ringgold, was charged with nine offenses following an investigation conducted by the Frackville barracks. The criminal complaint was filed on July 20, and the case remains active pending a preliminary hearing.
The charges include:
- Rape by Forcible Compulsion (Felony 1)
- Rape of a Child (Felony 1)
- Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse by Forcible Compulsion (Felony 1)
- Incest of a Minor – Complainant Under 13 (Felony 2)
- Incest of a Minor – Complainant 13 to 18 (Felony 2)
- Statutory Sexual Assault (Felony 2)
- Corruption of Minors (Felony 3)
- Indecent Assault of a Person Less Than 13 Years of Age (Felony 3)
- Indecent Assault of a Person Less Than 16 Years of Age (Misdemeanor 2)
According to the affidavit of probable cause, the investigation began after Pennsylvania State Police received a ChildLine referral in late 2024 regarding allegations involving a juvenile family member. Investigators worked with Schuylkill County Children and Youth Services during the investigation. Court documents allege the incidents occurred in West Penn Township between July 2022 and December 2024, when the alleged victim was between approximately 12 and 15 years old. The affidavit alleges the abuse occurred over an extended period before it was reported to authorities.
Wolfe was removed from the home in January 2025 when the investigation began and during interviewed, he admitted to the encounters.
Because the affidavit contains explicit allegations involving the sexual abuse of a minor, Skook News is withholding those graphic details to protect the alleged victim and because they are not necessary for the public's understanding of the case.
Court records show Wolfe was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer on July 20. Bail was set at $50,000 unsecured, which was posted through his own recognizance.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 11 before Magisterial District Judge Casimir T. Kosciolek.