Published Saturday, September 7, 2002
LAWRENCE COUNTY
on kidnapping, assault charges
By Larissa Theodore
Herald Staff Writer
A 45-year-old Volant-area man who allegedly chained a 38-year-old woman in his bathroom for nearly two months had a hearing Thursday in New Castle.
Wayne F. Brabson, 45, Plain Grove Township RD 2, was arrested last Saturday and charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated assault, simple assault, terroristic threats, kidnapping and unlawful restraint. He is being held in Lawrence County Jail after failing to post $200,000 bond.
District Justice David Rishel ordered Brabson Thursday not to speak to the victim or anyone who has contact with her. Brabson is being held for a formal arraignment Oct. 7 before the Court of Common Pleas.
According to police, Brabson allegedly kept the 38-year-old woman in his Arthur Drive home since July 7, sexually assaulting her, beating her with a maul and threatening to kill her and throw her body in a septic tank outside his home. She escaped Aug. 31 after stealing his truck and driving to a family member's home, Lawrence County District Attorney Matthew Mangino said. That same day she went to Pennsylvania State police to report the incident, police said.
According to police, she was treated at Jameson Hospital in New Castle. She had a dislocated middle finger, three fractured ribs, which were in the process of healing on their own without treatment, and various other bruises.
She testified Thursday about the incident before District Justice David Rishel.
"A forensic nurse and physician examined her and her injuries were consistent with her testimony," Mangino said.
The case was handled by Lawrence County Assistant District Attorney Diane Demeter.
Brabson's attorney, Lawrence County Chief Public Defender Harry O. Falls, could not be reached for comment.