New Castle Couple In Court, Facing Sexual Assault Charges
NEW CASTLE (KDKA) -- A New Castle couple is facing charges after being accused in connection with the sexual assault of children and allegedly forcing them to touch each other inappropriately.
Led in by police in handcuffs, Larry and Michelle Cragle were supposed to face a Lawrence County judge Wednesday on charges that they sexually abused children who were staying at their Rebecca Street home.
The criminal complaint against the Cragles lists detailed descriptions of the acts the children say they were asked to do.
But the two were taken back to jail after the judge granted both defense attorneys a continuance until Thursday.
Authorities will conduct a lineup requested by the defense so the children can identify the suspects before the preliminary hearing.
Meanwhile, friends close to the defense say they believe the Cragles are innocent until proven guilty.
The criminal complaint says 28-year-old Michelle is accused in the rape of a 7-year-old boy, and 34-year-old Larry allegedly asked a girl under 16 to expose herself and that he also touched her inappropriately.
In addition, the Cragles are accused of allegedly documenting the children naked, taking pictures of them.
The preliminary hearing is now scheduled for Thursday at noon.
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