A Westmoreland County jury deliberated one hour Tuesday afternoon before convicting a Sewickley Township man of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl.
Steven K. Stemmler, 39, was found guilty of statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault and corruption of a minor after the two-day trial.
Prosecutors said Stemmler had a sexual relationship with the teen, who routinely visited his camper in 2021 and into early this year.
Stemmler denied having sex with the teen.
Defense lawyers argued the teen’s accusations were without merit and were made by a “desperate and jealous” girl with a crush on Stemmler, who at that time was involved in a sexual relationship with a 22-year-old woman.
Prosecutors said Stemmler’s accuser confided to his girlfriend about the sexual assault.
Stemmler, who had been free on $50,000 bail, was taken into custody after Tuesday’s verdict was announced. Common Pleas Court Judge Christopher Feliciani said Stemmler will remain in jail until he is sentenced in about three months.
