During a preliminary hearing in Centre County yesterday, a teenage girl shared distressing testimony against two of four men charged in an alleged Taylor Township child sex abuse ring. The victim testified that she began a series of sexual encounters with multiple men starting at age 14. Prosecutors identify Samuel Friday of Tyrone, as the ringleader, accusing him of soliciting minors, recording the acts, and hosting sessions in his basement. In the hearing for defendant Michael Woomer, also from Tyrone, the victim stated she had sex with him several times for approximately $50 per encounter. Defense attorney Tom Dickey reportedly argued that Woomer may not have known she was a minor, citing a Facebook post that reportedly depicted her as over 18. While the victim admitted she did not explicitly refuse the men, she testified that she only complied out of fear. The judge moved Woomer’s charges to trial and set bail at $2 million. Prosecutors, who describe the case as one of sexual servitude, noted that the investigation is ongoing. Hearings for Friday, and the two other defendants are scheduled in the coming weeks.
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