Connellsville man charged with decades-old child sexual abuse in Somerset County

A 48-year-old Connellsville man has been charged with sexually assaulting three children years ago in Somerset County.

According to multiple probable-cause affidavits, Douglas Hostetler assaulted the children at different times dating back to as early as 1996 at Shade Township homes.

One of the victims also claims that Hostetler had abused her in a car and in Confluence Borough, according to one of the affidavits.

An investigation into the alleged abuse began in September after the now adult victims came forward with their stories, according to the affidavits.

Hostetler has been charged with several sex-related offenses, including third-degree felony counts for indecent assault of a person less than 13 years old.

He was arraigned Friday before District Judge William Seger, of Windber, and was sent to the Somerset County Jail on multiple $50,000 bonds.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. Jan. 24 before Seger.

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