Mifflin County, PA (WJAC) — Authorities in Mifflin County say a Lewistown man is behind bars following an investigation into allegations of child sex abuse and beastiality.
Lewistown police say 21-year-old Shaun Mellott allegedly assaulted two children in recent weeks, and also reportedly performed sexual acts on a family pet.
Police say earlier this week, officers were dispatched to the Geisinger Lewistown Hospital to assist with a rape investigation.
Investigators say police learned that in October, Mellott had reportedly assaulted a young girl, on multiple occasions, at a home in Lewistown Borough.
Police say Mellott later admitted to the alleged abuse and claimed that a relative, identified as Andrew Lawler, had reportedly witnessed one of the assaults.
According to Mellott, police say Lawler was reportedly pleasuring himself during the alleged assault.
Authorities say Mellott was taken into custody, despite him resisting, and a warrant was issued for Lawler's arrest.
Upon further investigation, police say a second victim came forward to report that Mellott had allegedly sexually assaulted them.
Police say Mellott reportedly “pinned the child down” and “rubbed his genitals on the child's face.”
Investigators say authorities were also made aware of an alleged beastiality incident in which Mellott reportedly performed sexual acts on his family's dog.
Police say multiple family members reportedly witnessed the alleged incident.
Officials say Mellott is facing a variety of charges, including rape, statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and sexual intercourse with an animal.
Police say, additionally, Lawler has since turned himself in and is charged with indecent exposure and corruption of minors.
