A Berks County man has been charged with multiple counts of child sexual abuse, the Berks County District Attorney’s office announced Thursday.
According to Chief County Detective Michael J. Gombar, 59-year-old James Fisher is currently incarcerated in the Berks County Jail on an unrelated offense, but is now charged with 3 counts of Rape of a Child, among other related charges.
On Monday, July 11, 2022, the Central Berks Regional Police Department received a complaint from two females who reported that they had been sexually abused by Fisher when they were approximately 7 years of age. Investigators say the crimes occurred between 2011 and 2016.
Based upon the allegations, Two Childline reports were received by the Berks County Detectives and a criminal investigation was initiated.
On Wednesday, July 27, 2022, a Forensic Interview was conducted with Victim #1 at the Berks County Children’s Alliance Center in Reading. During this Forensic Interview, Investigators say Victim #1 disclosed that the Fisher had sexually abused her when she was approximately 7 years of age. According to VICTIM #1, this abuse occurred at a residence located on Friedensburg Road in Lower Alsace Township.
On Thursday, July 28, 2022, a Forensic Interview was conducted with Victim #2 at the Berks County Children’s Alliance Center. During this Forensic Interview, Investigators say Victim #2 disclosed that the Fisher had also sexually abused her when she was approximately 7 years of age. According to VICTIM #2, this abuse also occurred at the Friedensburg Road residence, located in Lower Alsace Township.
On Wednesday, August 17, 2022, Fisher was charged with three counts of Rape of a Child, two counts of Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse, three counts of Aggravated Indecent Assault of a Child, three counts of Aggravated Indecent Assault, two counts of Indecent Assault, two counts of Corruption of Minors, two counts of Endangering the Welfare of Children, and two counts of Indecent Exposure.
On Tuesday, August 23, 2020, Fisher was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Sandra Fegley, bail was set at $500,000.
A Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
