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LaPorte man arrested, accused of sexual molestation, possession of child porn

(Photo supplied)

A LaPorte man was arrested this week after a woman told police he sexually abused her a hundred times over the course of six years.

Court documents say the woman was between the ages of 10 and 16 when Jerry Rust, 35, abused her.

The woman came forward Monday and told Portage police the abuse started in 2004. At the time, she was living at the Whispering Sands mobile home park. She said Rust was a family friend, and she would often stay up late playing video games with him. Eventually, Rust began manipulating her into thinking they were in a relationship.

The two started having sex, and at one point, the victim’s older sister walked in on them. Court documents say Rust told her sister they were wrestling, and that their clothes simply ‘fell off’.

When her sister threatened to call police, the victim said she would lie and deny it. At the time, she said she enjoyed the “love and attention” Rust gave her, and was willing to lie about their relationship to protect it.

According to the sister, the victim was 12 and Rust was 21 at the time she caught them.

The older sister did not report the abuse after that because whenever she would try, Rust would become abusive towards her. In addition, her family did not believe her.

When questioned Tuesday, Rust admitted to abusing the girl. A search also revealed Rust had child porn on his phone.

On Thursday, Rust was charged with child molesting and possession of child pornography. He faces up to 22 years in prison.

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