Man charged with rape in molestations

YOUNGSTOWN -- A 24-year-old homeless man faces more than 35 counts of rape and hundreds of counts of gross sexual imposition involving the molestation of several children.
A 10-year-old girl told investigators that the man had sexually assaulted her more than 30 times from 1999 to January 2002, according to sheriff's department reports. She said the acts happened when he lived with her family at two addresses in Youngstown.
She said he promised her money and gifts and hit her, threatening her not to tell anyone, police reports show.
The girl said a boy, 8, was also a victim. She said five other girls were also victims, according to police reports. One of the girls said the man had once touched her improperly.
Another girl, 10, said the man sexually assaulted her when she visited the other 10-year-old girl, police reports show.
She said he also molested her 6-year-old sister and showed the children a pornographic movie.
The man was arrested by deputy sheriffs Thursday at St. Elizabeth Health Center, where he was receiving treatment for mental health problems.
He is being held in the Mahoning County jail, pending arraignment in Youngstown Municipal Court.