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Michael Christopher Pringle, 60, was arrested after the victim disclosed the assault to her school counselor on Oct. 7. The incident occurred the evening before at a home in Clay Township.
**WARNING THE FOLLOWING DETAILS ARE DISTURBING**
Allegations From The Affidavit
The victim described how Pringle assaulted her on Oct. 6 in both his bedroom and the laundry room. She said he hugged her tightly, grabbed her buttocks, unzipped her reindeer onesie pajama, and touched her chest. She recounted how Pringle forced her to touch his penis, pushed her to her knees, and made her perform oral sex while holding her head in place.
The assault was interrupted twice: first when a younger child entered the laundry room chasing the a dog, and later when her mother, walked by. The mother later observed the victim sitting on her bed, visibly upset, and instructed her to text what had happened after noticing the child’s reluctance to speak with Pringle nearby.
That evening, the victim and her siblings slept in the same room as their mother for safety.
School Disclosure And Investigation
The next day, the victim disclosed the assault to her school counselor, saying she did not feel safe outside school. Teachers also reported noticing a dramatic change in the child’s demeanor, describing her as uncharacteristically withdrawn and quiet.
The victim later participated in a forensic interview at the Lancaster County Children’s Alliance and underwent a SAFE exam at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital. The evidence was sent to the Pennsylvania State Police for analysis.
History Of Abuse
During the investigation, the victim revealed that the abuse began two years ago after her family moved. She described incidents of groping, inappropriate touching, and other sexual acts, escalating to the Oct. 6 assault. The affidavit also noted the children’s bedroom doors had been removed, depriving them of privacy.
**WARNING THE ABOVE DETAILS ARE DISTURBING**
Charges Against Pringle
Pringle, a Megan’s Law registrant with prior sexual assault convictions in 1999 and 2001, is facing the following charges:
- Felony: Rape of a child under 13.
- Felony: Statutory sexual assault.
- Felony: Involuntary deviate sexual intercourse (two counts).
- Felony: Unlawful contact with a minor.
- Misdemeanor: Indecent assault of a person under 16.
Pringle is being held without bail.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities anticipate additional developments.
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