LANCASTER, PA — A 19-year-old Willow Street man, charged with the alleged rape and sexual assault of a 13-year-old juvenile, waived his preliminary hearing on Tuesday afternoon. Yadiel Diaz, resident of the first block of Hamels Ct., will now face multiple charges in the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas.
The charges against Diaz include rape (forcible compulsion), unlawful contact with a minor, aggravated indecent assault (less than 16), corruption of minors, statutory sexual assault (4-8 years older), sexual assault, and indecent assault (less than 16).
The Pequea Township Police Department was alerted to the alleged incidents involving Diaz and the minor on September 12, 2023. The report originated from the Lancaster County Children and Youth Social Services Agency, which had received information about alleged inappropriate sexual activity between Diaz and the juvenile on three separate occasions.
According to the report, the minor alleged that Diaz, who was 18 at the time of the alleged incidents, arranged for her to be picked up from her home and dropped off at his residence via Uber. Following the alleged encounters, she was then reportedly returned home using the same service.
As part of their investigation, local police obtained a search warrant to access Diaz’s Uber account records. The data retrieved from this account appeared to corroborate the minor’s account of the events.
Diaz remains in Lancaster County Prison, with bail set at $250,000. His arraignment is scheduled for March 8, 2024. As with all legal proceedings, Diaz is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The charges were filed by Pequea Township Detective Sergeant Robert Burger. This case serves as a stark reminder of the crucial role our community and law enforcement play in protecting the most vulnerable among us.
While the allegations against Diaz are serious, it is essential to remember that they are just that – allegations. All defendants, including Diaz, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of laww.
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