Feb 8, 2018 2 min read

An East Bethlehem Township man’s trial on allegations he sexually abused three girls has been postponed until next week.

The trial of James A. Burnsworth, 41, is now set to begin Tuesday morning before Washington County Judge Michael J. Lucas.

Burnsworth faces a raft of charges including witness intimidation, simple assault, harassment, indecent assault, statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and furnishing liquor to a minor in four cases brought by the now-defunct East Bethlehem Township police in 2016.

Twelve jurors were picked Monday. Two alternate jurors will be picked the day before the trial begins. Lucas’ office said the trial, originally scheduled to get underway Wednesday, was continued because of scheduling issues, as well as weather concerns.

Burnsworth is alleged to have sexually abused three girls on different occasions in early 2016. He also is accused of trying to keep a girl and her mother from testifying in an assault case that also was filed that year and will be part of the trial.

Assistant District Attorney Craig McKay could call as many as 15 witnesses.

Burnsworth’s attorney, Joseph Francis, named a half-dozen potential witnesses, including his client.

Burnsworth is free on bond pending the outcome of the cases.