Corruption of minors, other charges dropped against Canton man
The criminal case against a Canton Township man alleged to have had inappropriate contact with a minor have been dropped because the alleged victim was unable to testify.
Washington County Assistant District Attorney Kristin Clingerman said the prosecution was forced to withdraw charges against 55-year-old Randal Higgins Jr., who was charged with corruption of minors, criminal attempt and indecent assault last year by state police.
A jury trial was scheduled to begin Monday morning before Judge Gary Gilman.
The charges stemmed from an incident alleged to have taken place at his home Nov. 27, 2014.
Defense attorney Pete Marcoline said Higgins was “100 percent prepared to fight the charges.”
Marcoline said several adult witnesses who are mandatory reporters under the Child Protective Services Law were prepared to testify that events at the house didn’t occur as alleged.
“My client has maintained his innocence since this matter was brought to his attention,” he said.
Higgins declined to comment following the withdrawal of the charges.
Clingerman said the alleged victim, who has “some mental health challenges” and an intellectual disability, wasn’t able to participate in the proceedings.