Perkiomen man convicted at trial of sexual assault of Pottstown woman

Charles Hill Jr. to be sentenced later this year

NORRISTOWN » A Perkiomen Township man was convicted of charges he sexually assaulted a Pottstown woman in her borough residence and he awaits his fate from a judge.

Charles Hill Jr., 34, of the 400 block of Bridge Street, was convicted in Montgomery County Court of charges of sexual assault and indecent assault without consent in connection with a February 2020 incident in Pottstown.

Judge Thomas C. Branca rendered the verdict after hearing testimony during a two-day, nonjury trial. Branca deferred sentencing so that court officials can complete a background investigation report about Hill.

Hill also faces an evaluation by the Pennsylvania Sexual Offender Assessment Board, which will determine if Hill meets criteria to be classified as a sexually violent predator. The board is expected to submit a report to the judge within 90 days.

Those classified as sexually violent predators face more stringent restrictions while serving their sentences.

Hill faces a possible maximum sentence of 6 to 12 years in prison on the charges. However, state sentencing guidelines could allow for a lesser sentence.

The judge acquitted Hill of a charge of rape.

Assistant District Attorney Gabriella Glenning handled the case. Defense lawyer Thomas C. Egan III represented Hill.

An investigation by Pottstown police began on Feb. 3 2020, when the victim reported that during the early morning hours Hill sexually assaulted her inside her Gay Street apartment, according to a criminal complaint filed by former Pottstown Detective Heather Long, who is now a county detective.

Court documents indicate Hill knew the woman and her family and that the assault occurred after Hill had been socializing with the woman earlier in the evening at a local bar.

The woman told detectives that Hill asked to use the bathroom at her residence and she agreed, court documents indicate. Once inside the victim’s apartment, Hill made sexual advances toward the woman, according to court papers.

The woman told detectives she tried to push Hill away but Hill continued to have sexual contact with her, according to the arrest affidavit.

During the trial, the woman testified she felt “devastated” by Hill’s conduct and comments he made to her after the assault.