WILKES-BARRE — Statutory sexual assault charges against a volunteer firefighter from Dallas were sent to county court Thursday, court records show.
Joshua James Ralston, 20, saw 10 felony charges forwarded to county court following a hearing before District Judge James Tupper. He is scheduled for a formal arraignment Nov. 2.
Ralston allegedly had sex with a 13-year-old girl at her home in December and February while the girl’s mother was away. Court documents identify Ralston as a volunteer firefighter with Trucksville Volunteer Fire and Rescue.
The girl, now 14, said she knew Ralston previously and became reacquainted with him when she began serving as a junior firefighter last fall, according to authorities.
Ralston allegedly admitted to having sex with her. But he claimed she “wanted it as much as (he) did,” court documents say. Ralston was 19 at the time.
Ralston is charged with two counts each of statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, unlawful contact with a minor, corruption of minors and criminal use of a communication facility.
