Avis man acquitted of rape charges
By JIM RUNKLE - jrunkle@lockhaven.comLOCK HAVEN — Chad Justin Hooven of 406 Prospect St., Avis, arrested for rape and other charges by state police in December 2006, was found not guilty recently in a trial in Clinton County Court.
The charges included rape of an unconscious victim, sexual assault and aggravated indecent assault, all felonies.
He was represented by local attorney Paul Ryan.
The episode leading to the charges was alleged to have occurred at a pull-off along the River Road and in a field along Tiadaghton Avenue, both in Pine Creek Township.
Police said they responded to a call from the alleged victim’s mother, who said her daughter had been raped by Hooven.
When troopers arrived, Hooven was in his truck and was detained while another trooper entered the home to speak to the complainant.
Police took the young woman to the Lock Haven Hospital. A blood-alcohol test was performed. They also examined the girl for sexual assault.
The victim had numerous scrapes and abrasions, along with bruise marks on the inside of her thighs.
Hooven was advised of his Miranda rights but said he didn’t have sex with the teen, although they did “make out.”
Police investigated the sites the crimes were alleged to have occurred and turned up several personal items belonging to the alleged victim.
The blood-alcohol test indicated that the victim’s alcohol content was 0.339 percent, police said.
