A Bensalem man is facing felony charges for allegedly molesting and strangling a 12-year-old girl over two years.
Bensalem police opened an investigation into Lawrence Howell, 44, in January after receiving a report of a sexual assault on the girl. The victim’s mother alleged that the girl disclosed that Howell placed a cap over her head and face before making her lie on the bed, according to a probable cause affidavit.
A Bensalem man is facing felony charges after he was accused of physically and sexually assaulting a 12-year-old.
More Bucks County News Quakertown student protester to have charges dismissed in police clash
In a forensic interview at the Bucks County Children’s Advocacy Center told authorities the same account of the alleged assault, and alleged that Howell apologized after, the affidavit said.
Police interviewed Howell about the allegations and he allegedly said he “made a poor choice,” but denied molesting the girl. A month later, though, police received a ChildLine report for the same girl while alleging that Howell physically assaulted and strangled her, the affidavit said.
In another forensic interview as a result of the abuse allegation the girl disclosed between 2023 and 2025 Howell had used a belt to choke her, struck her with his hands and threw a frozen water bottle at her that struck her head causing a wound, the affidavit said.
Howell was arraigned on March 19 before District Judge Michael Gallagher on three felony charges including aggravated Indecent assault of a child and strangulation and related misdemeanors. He was transferred to Bucks County Correctional Center in lieu of $2 million bail.
His attorney, Thomas Logan, said Thursday that his client “adamantly denies'” abusing the girl and “looks forward to clearing his name in a courtroom.”
Crime and Courts Reporter Jo Ciavaglia can be reached at jciavaglia@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Bensalem man accused of strangling, abusing girl over two years