Watsontown man faces 24 felony charges for rape of juvenile

Apr. 18—A Watsontown man allegedly sexually assaulted a juvenile girl hundreds of times over a five-year period, according to state police in Milton.

Steven Duane Rowe Sr., 50, of East Brimmer Avenue, Watsontown, was charged with 24 felony counts related to sexual assault of a child, including rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, aggravated indecent assault of a child, unlawful contact with a minor, statutory sexual assault, indecent assault of a child and corruption of minors. The charges were filed by state Trooper James Nestico, of the Milton State Police Barracks, in the Mifflinburg office of District Judge Jeffrey Rowe.

The alleged victim, now an adult, came to the Milton State Police Barracks on Jan. 7 to report sexual abuse allegations against Rowe. The alleged abuse started when she was 10 years old and continued until she was 15 in various locations within Buffalo Township, police said. Rowe, also a truck driver, would continue the abuse during rides in the truck, according to charges.

Asked how many times the alleged abuse occurred, the victim said, "Hundreds," police said.

Police set up a phone call between the victim and Rowe on March 17 where Rowe allegedly acknowledged his actions and allegedly expressed remorse for his actions, police said.

"I apologize for allowing it to be like that. I can't change it. All I can do is change moving forward," Rowe allegedly said, according to police.

Rowe indicated to the victim that he had his own past trauma, police said.

"I wish that I could back everything up ya know and do things differently, but with that same energy, you can't do that. Who knows what else would've went wrong instead? It's not an option to go backwards. But I am sorry, and that's all I can offer," Rowe allegedly said, according to charges.

State police interviewed Rowe on April 10, and he allegedly confessed to sexually assaulting the victim, police said.

Rowe was arraigned on Tuesday and posted $50,000 bail on Wednesday through professional bondsman Thaddeus M. Smith, of Milton. Rowe is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 1:30 p.m.April 30.

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