Joshua A. Mohlmann is accused of having a sexual relationship with a girl he once taught.
Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli has called a 2:30 p.m. news conference Tuesday to discuss a 10-day continuance ordered by a district judge in a sex assault case involving a New Jersey teacher.
Joshua A. Mohlmann, 40, of the 500 block of Laurel Hill Road in Upper Mount Bethel Township, left court Monday after a frustrated Senior District Judge Sherwood Grigg issued a 10-day continuance in his case.
The delay is the result of Northampton County Assistant District Attorney Anthony Casola's plan to present hearsay evidence in the case. The hearsay evidence was strongly objected by defense attorney Mark Minotti, who indicated another police trooper -- not present in the courtroom -- interviewed the victim.
Casola told the judge he also does not plan to put the victim on the stand to testify during a preliminary hearing because he "doesn't have to." Casola referred to a previous Pennsylvania Superior Court decision in July 2015 ruling hearsay evidence was sufficient to determine probable cause at a preliminary hearing.
Mohlmann is facing felony charges of statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse involving a victim younger than 16, sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault involving a victim younger than 16 and institutional sexual assault.
Additionally, Mohlmann is charged with misdemeanor endangering the welfare of children, corruption of minors, indecent assault on a victim younger than 16 and furnishing alcoholic beverages to a minor.
Mohlmann taught for the Harmony Township School District in Warren County when the alleged sexual relationship began. Dressed in a suit and tie Monday, Mohlmann did not speak during the district court appearance.
Police said the relationship began in 2008 when the 14-year-old girl began babysitting for Mohlmann and continued until March 2015 when the victim was 21.
Mohlmann engaged in sexual conduct with the victim, now 22, that progressed to intercourse just after her 17th birthday in 2011, police said. He allegedly provided the girl with vodka during that encounter and on multiple occasions prior to her turning 21, police said.
Grigg during the preliminary hearing must determine if there is enough evidence to send the case onto county court or possibly throw it out. Grigg told Casola he has never in his lengthy career sent a case onto county court based solely on hearsay evidence.
The judge ordered Casola to turn over all evidence, in which a recorded statement by the victim should be included. Casola told the judge he doesn't plan to use the recorded statement during the preliminary hearing.
Morganelli's news conference suggests prosecutors Tuesday afternoon will be discussing Grigg's decision. The district attorney states he will not be answering any questions prior to the news conference.
Pennsylvania State Police began investigating reports of the sexual assaults in July 2015, picking up an investigation opened by the Warren County Prosecutor's Office. Mohlmann turned himself in to police in May.
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.