Lansford teen charged as adult in sex assaults

A 17-year-old from Lansford has been charged as an adult after allegedly sexually assaulting two teenagers.

Lamark Deandre Walker was arraigned Monday on two separate cases involving sexual contact with girls who were 13 years old.

Lansford Police Chief Jack Soberick said when his department learned of the alleged assaults they moved quickly to file charges to prevent any further victims.

“We realized it was very important to get a dangerous person off the streets, who obviously to me is someone who appears to be somebody repeatedly involved in these sexual assaults,” Soberick said.

The victims admitted to having sex with Walker at his residence in Lansford Court. The incidents occurred between November and December.

In each case, Walker has been charged with aggravated indecent sexual assault of a minor, statutory sexual assault, and indecent contact with a minor.

Walker is more than four years older than both victims. In Pennsylvania, a 13-year-old is unable to give consent to someone who is at least four years older than them.

One victim was four years, six months younger than Walker. The other was exactly four years younger, so police had to look up Walker and the victim’s exact time of birth before charging him with statutory sexual assault.

“The victims at that age cannot consent even though they may think they are. They are not able to consent to somebody that much older than them,” Soberick said.

Walker is being charged as an adult as per state law, because he was involved in two previous felony sexual assault cases in juvenile court, and he is facing felony charges in these cases.

Police began investigating after a mother came forward in December stating that she believed that Walker had sex with her daughter. She also learned that Walker was four years older than her daughter.

Police searched the girl’s devices and social media accounts and found several pictures of her with Walker.

The girl admitted in an interview that she had sex with Walker on Dec. 26.

The second victim was interviewed by police and said she had sex with Walker and he refused to stop when she asked.

She also said they had consensual sex on other occasions.

Soberick said it is possible that Walker had sexual contact with more girls. He said anyone who may know of additional incidents should contact Lansford Police.

“Do not be embarrassed, please come forward. We will get you the help and counseling if that’s what it takes, and if you want to go through with it, we will file additional charges,” Soberick said.