A Palmerton man has been charged with rape of a minor.

According to the affidavit of probable cause filed by Detective Kevin Buck of the Palmerton Borough Police Department in the case against Scott Lakatos:

At 10:40 a.m. Aug. 24, Buck received a call from a Children and Youth supervisor who informed him of a report she had received regarding Lakatos, 56, of Lehigh Avenue, being involved in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old male.

At 11:30 a.m., Buck and the supervisor arrived at the home of the victim and asked about his relationship with Lakatos.

The victim’s parents described Lakatos as a close personal friend they met through church, and entrusted as a mentor and counselor to their son, who was diagnosed with ADHD, and believed guidance by another adult would help their son focus.

Lakatos had become close with the family over the previous two to three years, and bought the victim numerous gifts and had gone on vacation with the family.

Buck and the supervisor were informed that in addition to this period, a trust had been built between Lakatos and the victim as they would spend a lot of time together doing activities, taking day trips, and spending time at each other’s homes.

They were further advised that less than one week ago while on vacation, there was a falling out among everyone, as the victim’s parents felt that Lakatos was displaying a temper and acting inappropriately, so the family chose that time to cut ties.

As a result of that decision, Lakatos feared that the victim may divulge their sexual encounters, and reached out to a mandated reporter and admitted his sexual contact with the juvenile.

At that time, the victim’s mother had contacted the victim, who was at his place of employment, and requested he come home.

Upon his arrival, Buck introduced himself along with the supervisor, and asked if he would have any idea as to why they were there, at which time the victim immediately stated Lakatos’ name.

The victim was then advised of the report that was received, and asked if it was accurate, at which point he became visibly upset and nodded yes.

The victim said there were several occurrences of sexual contact between May and July, and never at any time was the contact consensual.

In addition to that, the victim said that Lakatos had shown him adult movies and toys.

Lakatos faces charges of rape by forcible compulsion; involuntary deviate sexual intercourse; unlawful contact with minor; voluntary deviate sexual intercourse; aggravated indecent assault; corruption of minors; and indecent assault.

He is currently incarcerated in the Carbon County Correctional Facility in lieu of $1 million bail, and scheduled to have a preliminary hearing Sept. 8 before District Judge William Kissner of Palmerton.