Police say man sexually assaulted child in Arnold

Editor’s note: This story was updated on Thursday, March 6, 2025.

A manfaces trial after being accused by Arnold police of sexually assaulting a child.

James Benitto, 40, was held for court on March 6 on felony charges of aggravated indecent assault of a child, indecent assault of a person less than 13 years of age, corruption of minors and endangering the welfare of children.

Police arrested Benitto on February 24 after he went to the police station for questioning and was found to have an active arrest warrant for drug possession and was on probation, according to a criminal complaint.

Benitto told police he is homeless.

During questioning, Benitto denied assaulting the child, the complaint states.

An Arnold officer began investigating Feb. 19 in response to a Childline report. The report states the child told a neighbor of the assaults, police said.

Police confirmed the report directly with the neighbor, the complaint states.

Police on Monday reviewed an interview of the child that was done at A Child’s Place, the complaint states. During the interview, the child described the suspect’s alleged actions, which they said happened on more than one occasion, the complaint states.

Benitto is being held in the Westmoreland County jail on $150,000 bond.