On January 11, 2018, Joshua L. Leap, of Effort, Pennsylvania, was found guilty after a three day jury trial on one count of Rape by Forcible Compulsion, graded as a Felony of the First Degree; one count of Statutory Sexual Assault being more than 11 years older than victim, graded as a Felony of the First Degree; one count of Sexual Assault, graded as a Felony of the Second Degree; one count of Aggravated Indecent Assault by Forcible Compulsion, graded as a Felony of the Second Degree; and one count of Indecent Assault by Forcible Compulsion, graded as a Misdemeanor of the First Degree.

In July 2015, the Pennsylvania State Police – Lehighton were contacted regarding a 14 year old who had gone to her boyfriend’s family reunion and reported being sexually assaulted by Joshua Leap.

An investigation revealed that Leap was at a family reunion which was hosted at his uncle’s house off Breezy View Lane in Stroud Township from July 25, 2015 to July 26, 2015. Leap and other individuals at the reunion were drinking throughout the day and ended the night around a bon fire, where they continued to drink.

The victim, who was 14 years old, was dating one of Leap’s cousins, who was 15 years old. Both she and her boyfriend were also at this family reunion. Tents were set up for anyone who wanted to sleep over. Sometime prior to midnight, the victim and her boyfriend, retired to a tent to go to sleep. Around dusk, the victim remembered being awoken and then sexually assaulted by Leap. At the time, Leap was 28 years old and had a fiancé who was 5 months pregnant.

The conviction came after the jury heard both from the Commonwealth witnesses, the victim, Troopers from PSP Lehighton, and numerous expert witnesses (including therapists, nurses, and Serology and DNA experts) and defense witnesses, friends and family members of Leap and Leap himself.

Deliberating for less than three hours, the jury returned a verdict of guilty on all counts charged by the Commonwealth.

Leap was represented during trial by Attorney Brandon Reish, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Julieane Fry.

After being convicted, upon motion of ADA Fry, Judge Jonathan Mark modified defendant’s bail from $75,000 secured to $250,000 secured, at which time the defendant was taken into custody. He will remain in custody until he can post bail in this matter.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 10, 2018 at 9 am.