We have the latest now on a child rape case involving a Johnstown man officials telling us tonight that charges are being withdrawn against the man accused of forcing a young girl to perform sexual acts.
In April police charged 33-year-old Scott Wagner following an investigation into allegations that he engaged in various sexual acts with a young, female relative.
Now authorities say those charges are being withdrawn after a witness in the case was unable to testify at the preliminary hearing.
A statement from the district attorney’s office says in part:
The Commonwealth takes steps to prepare witnesses, but there are occasions where they are unable to, for whatever reason, continue with a proceeding.
In this instance, in order to protect the witness and to protect the case, the Commonwealth withdrew the charges.
Officials add that prosecutors are exploring options to re-file the charges.