Cresson man accused of touching 14-year-old inappropriately

CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — A Cresson man is facing charges after he was accused of touching a 14-year-old inappropriately.

James Kline, 62, has been accused of touching a minor inappropriately multiple times at a bus stop, according to the criminal complaint. On March 22, Cresson Township Police Department officers interviewed a 14-year-old girl with her parents about an alleged sexual assault.

The minor told police that Kline had been allegedly touching her inappropriately and that she had come forward to a counselor and a guardian about the incidents. In an interview with authorities, the minor said she started to talk to Kline in 2023 when he started giving her and her younger brother rides to school.

The minor went on to say that Kline gave her ‘married people hugs’ that she described as their bodies touching for long periods, according to the complaint. During these interactions, she said that Jim would allegedly call her “baby girl” and “love” and that he would say he loved her. Police noted that the 14-year-old also said Kline would play with her hair, touch her legs and tickle her sides.

The teen also provided screenshots of the text messages between her and Kline. Messages mostly consisted of “good morning” and “good night” texts, according to the complaint.

On April 5, authorities also interviewed another 14-year-old who witnessed the alleged incidents. The teen told officers that she had heard Kline call the other teen ‘love’ and ‘baby girl’ and allegedly saw him touch her inappropriately. Police noted that the teen told them that the alleged victim looked scared during the incidents.

Police conducted interviews with parents who picked up their kids as well and none said they witnessed any inappropriate behavior. In an interview with police, Kline said he did text and talk to the teen, but denied any physical relationship with the victim.

Kline is facing felony charges of corruption of minors and unlawful contact with a minor and a misdemeanor charge of indecent assault of a person less than 16.

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He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for June 11.

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