BLAIR COUNTY, Pa (WJAC) — Authorities in Blair County say a former corrections officer is behind bars following an investigation into allegations that he had sexually abused a teenage girl.
Police say in late January, the victim disclosed that she had reportedly been in a "sexual relationship" with a corrections officer at the Blair County Prison.
Investigators say the man was later identified as 24-year-old John Mollica, of Roaring Spring.
Police say the victim claimed that she and Mollica had engaged in sexual activity "a lot" over several months.
Authorities say investigators later discovered messages between Mollica and the 14-year-old girl, which reportedly "chronicled" the pair's "relationship."
On one occasion, police say Mollica reportedly told the girl, "I'm obsessed with you and I'm willing to kill for you."
Police say some of the messages also reportedly detailed Mollica's methamphetamine use and an alleged "pregnancy concern."
Investigators say the victim also told police that Mollica reportedly offered to give her cash, vapes and a new phone if she "kept quiet" about their alleged relationship.
Police say in late December, one of the messages reportedly detailed a conversation in which the victim told Mollica that she was "afraid" that one of her relatives discovered evidence of their relationship.
Authorities say Mollica reportedly responded, "so you mean I might be going to jail?"
Police say Mollica later told the teen to delete their messages.
Investigators say when they questioned Mollica about the accusations, he reportedly denied having a "relationship" with the teen and further stated that he thought she was only 11 years old.
“There is no such thing in this Commonwealth as a ‘consenting sexual relationship’ between an adult and a child. Adults who like to have sex with children do not get to do so even if they convince the child they’re in ‘love.’ When someone perverts a child into believing she is in a ‘consensual’ adult relationship, we will enforce the law that makes clear such manipulation is a crime. And we will not be deterred from that responsibility because of anyone’s position, employment, rank, or status. We do not care where you work or who you serve: our children will receive the full force of our protection from those who would harm them," said Assistant District Attorney Nichole Smith.
According to online court records, Mollica was arrested Friday and arraigned to the Blair County Prison on $100,000 bail.
He faces a variety of charges including multiple counts of statutory sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor, witness intimidation and evidence tampering.
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