SHAMOKIN - A 34-year-old Shamokin man charged with sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl was recommitted to Northumberland County Prison on Tuesday morning after waiving to court felonies of statutory sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor and aggravated indecent assault, and a misdemeanor of corruption of minors.
Shaine M. Wyland, of 692 Bear Valley Ave., who turned himself in July 23 to Coal Township police after being wanted on the charges for about two weeks, waived his case to county court and was ordered by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III to appear for plea court Sept. 24 at Northumberland County Courthouse in Sunbury. Wyland can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty during his plea court appearance.
The defendant, who was recommitted to the county jail in lieu of $200,000 cash bail set by Gembic at his July 23 arraignment, told the judge he understood he was giving up his right to a preliminary hearing by waiving the case to county court.
Wyland was represented by Attorney Shawn Curry of Dillsburg. First Assistant District Attorney Ann Targonski represented the commonwealth.
He is charged by Coal Township Detective Jeff Brennan with having sex with a 13-year-old girl in February, which she told police was consensual. The incident is alleged to have occurred in a mountainous area known as the "PennDOT," approximately 3 miles southeast of Burnside.
Police said Wyland and the victim knew each other.
The victim reportedly is living with a local relative and remains under the supervision of Northumberland County Children and Youth Services.
Wyland, who faces a maximum of 55 years in prison and $85,000 in fines, claimed he was riding dirt bikes with friends in Lancaster County and was unaware there was a warrant for his arrest when he turned himself over to authorities last month.
Suspect went to Lancaster County
The charges were filed July 12 and Brennan expected to take Wyland into custody that same day, but when the detective searched for the man, Wyland was nowhere to be found.
Wyland told the judge he had been in touch with Brennan before a warrant was issued and was aware of the possibility that charges would be filed. That said, he decided to travel with friends to visit family in Lancaster County.
Though he claimed to be in Lancaster County, Coal Township police officers received multiple tips that Wyland was spotted in the Coal Township and rural Sunbury areas, and the officers were on the lookout for him.