Scranton police: Man fondled girl

Jun. 11--A New York City man faces indecent assault and other charges after Scranton police say he admitted fondling a 9-year-old girl on multiple occasions.

Carlson Johnson, 59, of the Bronx, was arrested Wednesday and held in the Lackawanna County Prison on $50,000 bail.

Johnson is accused of touching the girl inappropriately under her clothing three times since January, with the most recent incident happening Tuesday, city police said.

The Times-Tribune does not identify victims of sexual assault.

Police were called after the girl disclosed the abuse to family members, according to the criminal complaint filed by Detective Christian Gowarty.

The victim told investigators Johnson warned her not to tell anyone about the touching and bought her gifts to keep her from saying anything, police said.

In an interview at police headquarters, Johnson admitted to touching the girl inappropriately on three separate occasions, saying the first incident happened after he smoked marijuana, the complaint said.

Johnson could not explain his actions other than to say he was curious and could not help himself, police said.

Magisterial District Judge Paul Ware arraigned Johnson on charges of corruption of minors, unlawful contact with a minor and indecent assault of a person under 13.

His preliminary hearing is scheduled Tuesday at

11:15 a.m.

Contact the writer:

dsingleton@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9132

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