Centre County man accused of sexual violence against 4 young girls, potential trial looms

A Centre County man accused of sexual violence against four young girls is headed toward a potential trial after a preliminary hearing Monday that saw the allegations against him broaden.

Kenneth M. Yerger, 27, of Ferguson Township, is facing nearly five dozen felony sex crimes in Clinton County. Four girls between the ages of 9 and 15 came forward with allegations that include rape, statutory sexual assault and unlawful contact with a minor.

Each of the girls described similar abuse during interviews with investigators, state police at Lamar wrote in an affidavit of probable cause. They said Yerger paid them or gave them items before or after the alleged abuse.

The allegations spanned 2017-22, Clinton County District Attorney Dave Strouse wrote in a statement. One girl told investigators she was abused at Yerger’s home in Ferguson Township and in Clinton County, police wrote.

Yerger is charged with 17 counts of unlawful contact with a minor, corruption of minors and indecent assault, as well as two counts of child rape, statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault and sexual assault.

A message was left Thursday with defense lawyer Frederick D. Lingle.

Yerger, who’s bail was initially set at $150,000 unsecured, remained free until his preliminary hearing Monday. But after listening to about three hours of testimony, District Judge Frank Mills set his bail at $750,000.

Strouse wrote that Yerger had a “verbal outburst” after the decision and claimed prosecutors were “taking away his life.” He was handcuffed and transported to the Clinton County Correctional Facility.

Yerger faces decades in prison if convicted, Strouse wrote. His formal arraignment is scheduled for Sept. 24.