Area man to stand trial on rape charges
A Buffalo Township man was ordered Wednesday to stand trial on charges, including rape, for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman both as a child and an adult.
Robert Lee Sutterfield, 61, of 3693 Route 40, was arrested by state police after he allegedly tried to rape the 41-year-old woman at a home in Buffalo April 30. In discussing that incident with Trooper Sarah Teagarden, the woman remembered Sutterfield first started having inappropriate contact with her when she was about 4 years old and the activity continued until she was 16, when she was allegedly raped by Sutterfield. The charges against Sutterfield also include attempted rape, indecent assault and sexual assault.
The woman, testifying at a preliminary hearing in Central Court before District Judge Jay Weller, described how Sutterfield reportedly made her touch him. The alleged molestation happened at homes in Claysville.
She testified when she was 16, he forced her to have sex with him. Under cross-examination, the woman said she suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from the years of abuse. She also said she tried to tell her mother and other relatives about the alleged abuse.
The woman said she recently returned to the area. On April 30, Sutterfield went to a Buffalo Township home where she was staying to return some of her belongings. She said he grabbed her breast and pushed her down on a couch. The woman said he tried to force himself on her but she was able to fight him off. He left when she said she was calling police.
Defense attorney Keith Emerick argued the charges of rape and attempted rape in connection with the April 30 incident should be dismissed because Sutterfield reportedly made no attempt to remove the woman’s clothing. Assistant District Attorney Kristin Clingerman said he fondled the alleged victim and pushed her thighs apart. Weller agreed to dismiss that rape charge.
Sutterfield remains free on $50,000 bond. Weller ordered him to have no contact with the woman, including through a third party or electronically.