Shenandoah man charged with abusing Carbon County children

A Shenandoah man faces numerous charges after he allegedly physically and sexually abused two children in Carbon County.

Curtis Matthew Berger, 26, is charged with three counts each aggravated indecent assault of a child, unlawful contact with a minor, indecent assault of a person less than 13; five counts of corruptions of minors; and two counts indecent exposure.

According to an affidavit filed by state police in Hazleton, on July 9, the victims’ mother reported to troopers that her 5-year-old son had been physically abused by Berger in her Tresckow home while she was at work. The victims’ mother and Berger had been in a relationship but had broken up two months before she reported the incidents, which occurred earlier this year.

The child said Berger had pushed him off a bed then grabbed him around his neck.

He also said Berger would beat him up and grab his private part.

The child’s mother also told investigators that her 7-year-old daughter had been physically and sexually abused by Berger.

The girl told police that on three different occasions, Berger held her down and sexually assaulted her.

She also said Berger would choke her but she had been afraid to tell her mother because Berger threatened to hurt her if she told.

On Aug. 17, troopers interviewed Berger, who admitted hitting the children when they were misbehaving; as well as grabbing the boy’s private area as a joke and sexually assaulting the girl.

He was arrested and arraigned and sent to Carbon County prison after being unable to post bail, which was set at $75,000.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 29 before District Judge Joseph Homanko.