> At a Glance
> – Martin Acevedo, 53, arrested Wednesday in Reading on child-rape charges
> – Two girls, now 8 and 11, say abuse began when they were 5 and 6
> – $200,000 bail set; he remains in Berks County Jail
> – Why it matters: Case highlights repeated abuse and threats that silenced victims for years
A 53-year-old Reading man faces multiple felony counts after police say two young girls reported he raped and assaulted them over several years, starting when they were in kindergarten.
The Allegations
Detectives say the 11-year-old told them Acevedo first raped her at age six and continued assaulting her multiple times in two separate Reading homes. She claims he warned he would hurt her mother if she spoke up.
The 8-year-old reported similar abuse, stating the assaults began when she was five and also occurred in Reading.
Investigation and Charges
- Involuntary deviate sexual intercourse
- Rape of a child
- Indecent assault
- Related felony offenses
Officers interviewed family members in New York City who indicated other children were aware of the alleged abuse and, in some instances, said they witnessed it.
What’s Next
Acevedo was taken into custody at his Reading home and is being held on $200,000 bail. Court records show no attorney listed for him.
Anyone affected by sexual violence can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple alleged assaults spanned years, beginning when victims were in early childhood
- Threats against family members reportedly kept victims silent
- Investigation widened to New York interviews, suggesting broader awareness of alleged abuse
- Acevedo faces serious sex-crime counts and remains jailed pending court proceedings
