Feb 25, 2014 3 min read

A North Franklin Township man has been indicted on federal sex charges after he transported a minor from another state to his home for sex, police said.

Joseph T. Sabot, 25, of 35 Milbeck Drive, was indicted by a federal grand jury Feb. 18 on two felony counts of interstate transportation of a minor for the purpose on engaging in unlawful sexual activity and two felony counts of travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

Sabot is accused of transporting a girl in the western part of Pennsylvania and elsewhere July 26, 2010, and March 22, 2012, with the intent of engaging in sexual activity, according to the indictment.

North Franklin police Sgt. Dean Urbanic said the girl called 911 after she was told to leave Sabot’s residence because she was looking for help in getting back to West Virginia. She then told police the allegations against Sabot. When it was determined Sabot reportedly transported her across state lines, the FBI was notified.

This is not the first time Sabot has been charged with having inappropriate contact with minors. As a teenager, Sabot was charged with statutory sexual assault, indecent assault and corruption of minors after he sexually assaulted and fondled at 13-year-old girl on two separate occasions. Prior to that, Sabot was charged with indecent assault, corruption of minors, simple assault, harassment and terroristic threats after he had inappropriate contact with four boys. All of the incidents occurred in the spring and summer of 2008.

The following year, Sabot plead guilty to three counts each of indecent assault and corruption of minors, as well as simple assault and terroristic threats in Washington County Court.

He was sentenced to the Intermediate Punishment Program for 23 months with the first 111/2 months to be spent in jail, and five years probation upon his release.

As a part of his sentence, Sabot was ordered to register with Megan’s Law for the remainder of his life.

Sabot is the adoptive son of former North Franklin Township Supervisor Robert Sabot and his wife, Sandy.

He was arraigned on the current charges on Feb. 21 and entered a plea of not guilty before United States District Court Chief Magistrate Judge Lisa Pupo Lenihan.

Sabot’s attorney, Pittsburgh based Michael J. Novara, declined to comment when asked for additional information.

Sabot is free on a $10,000 bond.

Staff writer Kathie Warco contributed to this report.