Emlenton man waives hearing on assault charges

An Emlenton man who is facing felony charges for sexually assaulting a student with a disability waived his preliminary hearing Wednesday in Venango County Central Court.

Robert Beck, 58, has been charged with one felony count of aggravated indecent assault – complainant suffers from mental disability, one felony count of school – intercourse/sexual contact with a student, one misdemeanor count of indecent assault of a person with a mental disability and one misdemeanor count of indecent exposure.

A criminal complaint filed through district judge Patrick Lowrey’s office says Beck was the van driver for a 20-year-old student who required transportation to the Venango Training and Development Center due to her use of a wheelchair.

Beck was interviewed by police April 26 and admitted to inappropriately touching the girl, as well as exposing himself to her on Phillippi Road while he was taking her to the development center.

Beck remains in the Venango County jail on $75,000 bail.

The charges against him will move forward for further proceedings.