Accused molester headed to court

Aug. 01--HAZLETON -- After a brief preliminary hearing Tuesday, charges related to an alleged child sexual assault will head to Luzerne County Court.

Ralph L. Simmons Jr., 61, West Hazleton, faces two counts each corruption of minors and indecent assault, all misdemeanors.

Hazleton police initially charged him with a felony count of corruption; however, that charge was changed to a misdemeanor prior to the hearing before Magisterial District Judge Joseph Zola.

Simmons shook his head as if to say "no" as city police Detective Brett Green offered testimony during the proceedings. She was the only one to testify.

He's accused of molesting two girls, then ages 4 and 8, during a sleepover at his then apartment on East Juniper Street in Hazleton in August 2010.

Simmons' public defender, Charles Ross, asked Green during cross-examination why the case was brought to court eight years after it allegedly happened.

Green replied that the abuse was first disclosed to a counselor by the older child on Feb. 8, 2016, and again on June 7, 2018. She said a former city detective initially handled the complaint and that it's unclear why charges weren't brought then. Green said she was alerted to the incident this year and found enough evidence to press charges.

Simmons did not testify during the proceeding and neither did the victims.

Ross asked for a bail reduction while police asked for a bail increase after Green said she feared he would flee the area.

Zola denied both requests and left bail at $50,000 -- the amount he set during Simmons' arraignment on July 18. He added that as part of Simmons' bail conditions, he isn't allowed to leave the county.

Simmons also can't have any contact with any child, including the victims, and must undergo a psychological evaluation prior to release.

Zola held the case for court despite Ross' request to dismiss the case on the grounds of hearsay.

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achristman@standardspeaker

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