Young says he raped 4-year-old accidentally
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The suspect, Christopher James Young, 25, could face 15 to 25 years if convicted of the charge. He is being held under $250,000 bond at Warren County Jail awaiting preliminary hearing.
His girlfriend, Patricia Paquin, who was present and also baby-sitting at the time of the crime, is charged with child neglect.
According to arrest warrants against Young, the incident occurred Tuesday night as he and Paquin were baby-sitting the child at the girl’s home while the victim’s parents were away.
The girl reportedly told her parents about the incident when they returned home that evening, launching lawmen on an immediate investigation. It is unusual for children to report abuse so promptly.
While finding evidence the child had been molested, the version of events relayed by Young raised the eyebrows of investigators. In Young’s statement, he reportedly told lawmen the molestation was an accident.
Specifically, Young claimed he was sitting on the toilet when the child came in and jumped on his lap, causing the accidental rape.
Lawmen are not buying Young’s version of events.
Although Paquin may not have witnessed the crime, lawmen charged her with child neglect because she was at the residence and was also responsible for the welfare of the child. Paquin reportedly has a prior conviction for child neglect.