CLEARFIELD – A Curwensville man accused of various sex crimes had a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.
Terry Lee Kougher, 34, is accused of two counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, two counts of statutory sexual assault, two counts of aggravated indecent assault, nine overall counts of corruption of minors, two counts of indecent assault and 11 counts of other sex crimes.
The first alleged victim to take the stand said that he was 15 when he and Kougher engaged in sexual acts in 2005. The boy, 17 now, said that the events happened at various locations and times. He said that one time another man was involved as well.
The second alleged victim to testify indicated that he was the third man in the one act. He indicated that he was grabbed by the hand and said no, but participated anyway.
This man told police that he was totally afraid of Kougher.
“I seen his anger, I know how he gets,” the man testified under cross-examination.
One defense witness challenged that statement, saying that he saw Kougher and the man together not too long ago. The defense witness also indicated that the teenager said the statements he made to police were false.
Kougher’s attorney argued that the case is one person’s word against another, that there were no witnesses to the alleged crimes.
First Assistant District Attorney F. Cortez “Chip” Bell III added the commonwealth’s thoughts on proof in sex crimes.
“Sexual crimes are generally crimes that occur in private,” said Bell. “It doesn’t surprise us that there are no other witnesses.”
Magisterial District Judge James Hawkins held all charges to the Court of Common Pleas.