Bedford County man accused of raping mentally disabled woman

HUNTINGDON COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — A Saxton man is accused of raping a mentally disabled woman in Huntingdon County, state police report.

Scott V. Goshorn, 23, was charged in the woman’s alleged rape in August along with charges of aggravated indecent assault of a mentally disabled person and indecent assault.

State police said they were contacted by a woman who lived with the victim to help take care of her, saying Goshorn had raped the victim in a parking lot in his truck. According to the criminal complaint, troopers were told this wasn’t the first time this has happened.

Troopers noted in the complaint that the victim seemed to have a tough time understanding certain things and appeared to have trouble with when things happened, saying this time it happened “before medicine time.”

Through other interviews with people who worked with and helped the victim, troopers were advised that she would have a limited grasp on what sex is, especially on an emotional level. According to charges filed, a registered nurse told police there was no way the victim would be able to live on her own and take care of herself, often needing another adult to help her, especially when it came to her medicine.

Troopers said at one point Goshorn called to inquire about being investigated, claiming they had sex but it was mutual.

Messages between Goshorn and a friend of the victim allegedly showed messages where he said they had sex, but didn’t understand the fuss. In one message Goshorn claimed that the victim was dumb, not autistic and she knew what she was doing and knew right from wrong. According to the complaint, Goshorn allegedly went as far as saying he would pay for a shrink to say that in a courtroom.

Troopers noted they had to explain to Gorshon that when a sexual assault kit is done at a hospital, it’s not common practice for staff to reach out to the suspect with information or results.

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Goshorn was placed in Huntingdon County Prison with bail set at $250,000.

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