Canonsburg man faces new charges

A Canonsburg man already in Washington County jail for assaulting a woman at a Canonsburg home last month is now charged with raping her.
Brett Edward Folk, 43, had been scheduled for a hearing Wednesday before District Judge David Mark on charges of simple and indecent assault, harassment and criminal mischief in connection with the Jan. 29 incident. But before the start of the hearing, assistant District Attorney Dennis Paluso amended the complaint to include charges of rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and cruelty to animals.
Police said the alleged victim had bruising on her face and neck, a red mark on her elbow and wrist along with a possible broken finger. She told police Folk forced her to perform a sex act.
Folk, who had been staying at the victim’s home, was passed out when she came home from work. When he woke up, he started yelling for her. Folk reportedly started pounding on her bedroom door demanding she let him into the room. When she didn’t, police said he kicked the door open and started assaulting her. Police said Folk took her cellphone and threw it when she tried to call 911. The victim’s dogs also were kicked during the assault.
Police had gone to the home when she first called, but no one answered the door. The victim was able to then text a friend and ask for help when Folk left her room and passed out in his bedroom, police said. When the friend and her husband showed up to check on the victim, Folk ran from the house. Police later found Folk and took him into custody.
Folk remains in Washington County jail on $50,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is now scheduled for Wednesday in Central Court.