Clinton James Shanafelt is charged with corruption of minors, a third-degree felony; four counts of indecent assault of a person less than 13 years of age, a first-degree misdemeanor; four counts indecent assault of person less than 16 years of age, a second-degree misdemeanor; and four summary charges of harassment.
State police Tpr. Rodney J. Hotchkiss was contacted by Clarion County Children and Youth Services regarding a report of inappropriate touching of a 6-year-old female.
A professional forensic interview was conducted at Jefferson County Pennsylvania Cares, with professional interviewer Patricia Berger.
Hotchkiss viewed the interview on a closed circuit television.
During the interview the victim told Berger that Shanafelt touched her all over her body and spanked her brothers.
The victim pointed out on a simulated drawing of person where Shanafelt allegedly touched her, which were her private areas.
The victim stated one incident of the touching occurred when she was getting dressed in the living room of the house and told Berger she was undressed when Shanafelt allegedly touched her.
The victim told Berger of other incidents, and the descriptions of the incidents were consistent.
Berger also interviewed the victim’s 9-year-old brother. The brother told Berger he allegedly saw Shanafelt touch the victim on multiple occasions.
The brother relayed he had witnessed Shanafelt touching the girl between the legs one time and he and his 7-year-old brother jumped on Shanafelt and tackled him to the ground.
The brother said his sister was able to get away from Shanafelt.
When asked how many times he witnessed the alleged touching the brother said he believed four times.
The brother also told Berger how Shanafelt allegedly spanked him and his brother with a belt for no apparent reason.
The brother said Shanafelt just woke them up and then struck them with a belt, and the metal part hit him (the brother).