East Bethlehem man ordered to stand trial
An East Bethlehem Township man was ordered to stand trial on several charges after he allegedly had inappropriate sexual contact with three girls earlier this year.
James Andrew Burnsworth, 39, of 34 Taylor Ave., Clarksville, was held for court on charges of indecent assault, harassment, statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and furnishing liquor to a minor by District Judge Joshua Kanalis following a preliminary hearing Friday in Central Court. A charge of simple assault was dismissed when one of the alleged victims, a 9-year-old girl, did not recall being struck in the face by Burnsworth.
A 15-year-old girl testified she had sex with Burnsworth at his mother’s home in Clarksville. The girl reportedly told East Bethlehem police Chief Mark Pompe she had sex with him “a countless number of times.” She said he also provided her with beer on several occasions, telling Pompe he would get her drunk.
A 10-year-old girl tearfully testified “Andy” touched her inappropriately. A 9-year-old described how Burnsworth reportedly put his hand on her wrist and forced her to touch him inappropriately.
Burnsworth, who also faces charges of witness intimidation and assault stemming from separate incidents, remains in Washington County jail on $52,500 bond.