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Butler man faces rape trial

Girl testifies she was 10 in 1st assault

A 16-year-old Butler girl said she reported being raped nearly three years after the most recent assault "because it was eating me alive."

The girl, who testified at a preliminary hearing Monday, said John Macarthur Rose III, 37, raped her when she was a 10-year-old and again three years later.

She said she told her mother "John did things to me,"immediately after the second assault.

But "mom didn't want to hear it," the girl testified. "She said John would never do anything to hurt me."

Months later, the girl said she ran away from home because her mother was physically abusing her.

But now — years later — the girl claims the nightmares of the rape were getting the best of her.She told her grandfather, who contacted Butler County Children and Youth Services this November.

The girl, who is not being identified due to the nature of the assaults, now is in counseling.

Rose, when interviewed by a state police trooper, allegedly admitted inappropriately touching the girl in 2000. But "he could not remember any of the details because of the alcohol," the trooper testified.

Rose, who has been in rehabilitation for alcoholism, also allegedly told the trooper he had numerous forms of sexual contact with the girl in 2004.

The girl, on the witness stand, recalled being raped in a Brady Township home in 2000. She said Rose put her hands over her head and covered her mouth with his hand as he raped her.

The girl claims she struggled, but the assault didn't end until the telephone rang.

Afterward, the girl said Rose warned her not to tell anyone about the assault because they would not believe her and "she would be out in the street."

The second assault allegedly occurred in a city home when the girl was alone, playing with Barbie dolls.

"I tried to wiggle loose, but Icouldn't," the girl testified.

Rose of 201 Third St. is charged with multiple counts of rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault and statutory sexual assault.

Defense attorney Alexander Lindsay asked District Judge Pete Shaffer to dismiss most of the charges not relating to the rape. Lindsay pointed out the girl didn't recall inappropriate touching outside of the rape, such as oral sex.

Some of the charges, such as involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, were based solely on what Rose told the trooper. And, Lindsay argued, "his confession is not enough" to hold the case for court.

Shaffer disagreed and held all the charges for court.He also maintained Rose's bond at $75,000.

Rose, who had been a truck driver for about 17 years, now is unemployed.

His mother, Carol Rose, who testified on his behalf during the preliminary hearing, said her son now lives with her and has been in rehabilitation since the fall for alcoholism.

She said her son was convicted of drunken driving seven years ago, and now has a new case DUI pending.

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