Lackawanna man indicted on charges of sexually assaulting a child

Feb. 12—A Lackawanna man who officers suspect has been abusing girls for decades was indicted on felony sexual assault charges this week for allegedly abusing a teenage girl.

Mark D. Williams, 61, of Spruce Street in Bethlehem Park, is accused of sexual conduct with a child under 13 years old over a period of time at a location in Lackawanna, according to the Erie County District Attorney's Office.

On July 24, 2020, a search warrant was executed at Williams' home, where evidence of the alleged crime was recovered.

Williams was charged with predatory sexual assault against a child, course of sexual conduct against a child and possessing a sexual performance by a child during a virtual arraignment Thursday afternoon before State Supreme Court Justice Deborah A. Haendiges. The arraignment was announced by the DA's office on Friday.

If convicted of all charges, Williams faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

When Williams was arrested in the summer of 2020, Lackawanna Police Chief of Detectives Joseph Leo said Williams had allegedly had been assaulting the girl since she was 7 years old. Leo also said that police believed Williams has a history of alleged sexual assaults against children that dated back 30 years, although he has not been previously charged.

Williams is scheduled to return to court at 3 p.m.March 4 for a pretrial conference.

Haendiges continued bail at $75,000 previously posted in Lackawanna City Court. The defendant was released under supervision and is required to wear an ankle monitor; he can only leave his residence for medical appointments or legal proceedings.

A temporary order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim.

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