Ardinger trial slated for October

The Hagerstown man faces several charges in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old boy.

September 03, 2002|by STACEY DANZUSO

chambersburg@herald-mail.com

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - A Maryland corrections officer jailed on charges that he sexually assaulted a 13-year-old Mercersburg, Pa., boy two years ago will go to trial in October.

David Shawn Ardinger, 36, of 17611 Stone Valley Drive, Hagerstown, was employed as a corrections officer at the Maryland Correctional Institution in Hagerstown for 15 years, but he has been in Franklin County Prison since February in lieu of $100,000 bail.

A trial has been set for Oct. 14 in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, according to the Franklin County District Attorney's Office.

Ardinger, formerly of Mercersburg, was charged in February with one count each of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, statutory sexual assault and indecent assault, according to court records.

The victim told police he had several encounters with Ardinger during July 2000, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

During those encounters, the man allegedly entered the victim's bedroom while he was sleeping and fondled him. On another occasion the defendant allowed the victim to view a pornographic video, which also led to fondling and oral sex, the affidavit said.

Ardinger also faces additional charges, including four counts of aggravated assault, after he allegedly hit and kicked four guards in the county jail on June 24, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

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