Published: September 20, 2008 12:09 am      

Somerset man accused of rape

SOMERSET — A Somerset man is accused of raping a mentally handicapped woman during Special Olympics basketball practice games five months ago.

Michael Allan Miller, 36, confessed to twice having sexual intercourse with the woman, who suffers from Down syndrome and has the mental capacity of a 6-year-old, state police said in charges filed Friday before District Judge Art Cook of Somerset.

Miller was taken to SCI-Somerset on a warrant for violating parole and is expected to be arraigned Oct. 2.

Authorities said the victim, whose identity was not disclosed, blurted out at a family gathering during Memorial Day weekend that “someone had touched her and caused blood in her underwear.”

When questioned by family members, the woman identified the suspect as her friend’s boyfriend.

In an interview with state police, the woman said the assaults occurred while she and Miller were at a Special Olympics basketball practice game in late April and early May. She said Miller took her into a dark room, removed her pants and molested her.

State police said Miller initially denied knowing the woman or attending any Special Olympics functions. As the interview progressed, however, he admitted to having sexual intercourse on two occasions, authorities said.

In a court document, Trooper Joel Penatzer said Miller said he is aware the woman is mentally disabled, adding that she “acts like a child, has disabilities she can’t control and speaks to imaginary friends.”

Miller faces charges of rape, aggravated indecent assault and indecent assault.