22-year-old man charged with statutory rape

March 27, 2009 10:25 am

— SUNBURY — A 22-year-old Sunbury man was arrested and charged with statutory rape Thursday after police said they learned he had been having sex with a 14-year-old Dalmatia girl since August.
Michael Buckles, of 148 N. Fourth St., also was charged with felony counts of sexual assault and aggravated indecent assault, along with misdemeanor counts of corruption of minors, endangering the welfare of children and indecent assault.
Police learned about the relationship after responding to a fire call at Buckles’ address. Smoke caused Sunbury police detective Christopher Blase to clear the house, and while doing so, he found the girl hiding under a table.
Buckles allegedly told police the girl was his sister, but when Blase questioned her, the officer said he learned about the sexual activity.
After being charged, Buckles was placed in the Northumberland County Prison on a probation violation.