Man accused of sexually assaulting minor denied bail modification

Samuel Wilbur Connor IV, 40, appeared before Centre County Judge Jonathan D. Grine via video-conference Tuesday, to request a bail modification.

His request was denied from the bench.

Connor is charged with sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault and indecent assault against a minor. The alleged assault took place on Aug. 19 in downtown State College.

Connor was working as a contractor, painting apartments on the day the assault took place.

During the afternoon of Aug. 19, the minor told police that she had finished work and was on her way to get lunch downtown.

During her walk, she testified, she walked past Connor, who was standing outside of the CVS Pharmacy on Beaver Avenue.

According to her court testimony, Connor said something as she was passing the CVS.

She stopped, turned around and spoke to him for “seven to eight minutes.”

Shortly into the conversation, Connor allegedly asked the victim if she “wanted to go upstairs and have sex with him.”

After telling him “no,” the victim said Connor grabbed her wrist and wouldn’t let go. According to court records, downtown video cameras affirm that Connor did in fact grab the minor’s wrist.

Connor faces trial and continues to be held at the Centre County Correctional Facility on $150,000 bail.

If convicted he could face up to 15 years in state prison.

This story was originally published January 5, 2016 at 6:51 PM with the headline "Man accused of sexually assaulting minor denied bail modification."