A man from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, has been taken into custody on serious charges related to the alleged rape of a 9-year-old girl. The arrest followed an investigation conducted by Harrisburg Police and U.S. Marshals.
Arnold Courtney, 66, was apprehended on January 21, facing felony charges that include rape of a child, aggravated indecent assault, corruption of minors, and indecent assault of a minor under 13 years old.
On January 11, Harrisburg Police responded to a call at 353 S. 14th Street around 6:50 p.m. regarding a reported sexual assault against the young victim. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim’s aunt, who revealed that she had brought Courtney to the victim’s grandmother’s house.
The aunt informed the police that while she went upstairs to use the bathroom, the victim confided in her about the assault.
Investigators later spoke with the victim, who recounted that she had been play fighting with Courtney when he attempted to assault her. The child stated that he tried to kiss her multiple times and forced himself on her. According to charging documents, when Courtney tried to touch her inappropriately, she slapped him and fled to her room.
Police reports indicate that Courtney then entered the victim’s room and attempted to rape her but halted when he heard the front door open. Following this, he allegedly offered the victim $20 to keep quiet about the incident.
The victim confirmed that only she and her great-grandmother were present in the house during the assault. Investigators collected evidence from the victim’s room, which has been sent for forensic testing.
