More charges for suspect, father in Nesquehoning sex assault

Additional charges have been filed against a Nesquehoning man who sexually assaulted two children earlier this month; as well as the children’s father who held him at gunpoint for two hours.

Mark A. Mead, 29, of West Ridge Street, faces charges of one count each involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, rape of a child and corruption of minors; and two counts each corruption of minors, indecent exposure, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault of a person less than 13 and indecent assault of a person less than 16. He was initially charged with statutory sexual assault.

William Morales, 41, of Stock Street, now faces additional charges of possession of a prohibited firearm, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, simple assault and criminal attempt. He also faces the original charge of aggravated assault.

According to two affidavits filed by Nesquehoning police officer Carl Breiner this week, on Aug. 7, police were called to Morales’ home for an assault.

Police spoke with Mead, who said that officers saved his life because he was being held at gunpoint by Morales for two hours and that he was assaulted several times by being pistol whipped, kicked in the stomach and hit with a mop or broom handle, as well as threatened to be sexually assaulted with the mop.

Police noted that Mead had multiple lumps and swelling on his head and contusions and abrasions, as well as pain in his abdomen.

Morales admitted striking Mead but denied hitting him with a mop or broom or owning a gun.

Morales also told police that the reason for the incident was because he had found Mead sexually assaulting his 1-year-old and 5-year-old while he was helping the family move.

The affidavit states Morales said that he had asked Mead for his help moving and that he had left to carry out items. When he returned, Morales said he found Mead with his 1-year-old in a very compromising situation and subdued Mead. The 5-year-old told his parents that Mead also made him touch him.

Mead told police that Morales is a drug dealer and was supplying him with methamphetamine to help him move, the affidavit states, adding that police have received complaints regarding drug activity at the home previously.

Mead also admitted to using meth at the Morales residence that day and said that the drug arouses him and he tends to touch himself.

At the time of the assaults, Mead said that the 1-year-old was crying because he had choked on food and while helping the child, his shorts fell down and his genitals accidentally fell out, touching the child.

Police removed several items from the home, including a loaded 9 mm Ruger pistol, which Morales is not permitted to own based on a previous conviction.

Both men are currently in the Carbon County Correctional Facility.