Greensburg man held for trial in rape case

A Greensburg man told police that he didn't believe that a mental handicap rendered a former male employee incapable of consenting to a sexual relationship, according to testimony at a preliminary hearing.

“He decided that diagnosis was wrong, and he continued to have sex with him,” testified Westmoreland County Detective Robert Weaver.

Rape and related sexual assault charges against James French Mulnix, 42, of Greensburg, were held for trial by District Judge Joseph DeMarchis during the preliminary hearing Thursday.

Investigators allege that Mulnix raped the victim multiple times over an eight-month period at the suspect's now-closed thrift store in Jeannette.

Mulnix's attorney, John Hauser, argued that prosecutors did not prove that the victim was incapable of consenting to a sexual relationship.

There was no testimony to show, Hauser argued, that “Mulnix at any time used force ... or even that the advances were unwanted.”

The victim testified Thursday that Mulnix inappropriately touched and raped him at the thrift store about twice a week after Mulnix hired him to work there in October 2013.

“He said if I tell anybody, he will hurt me and my grandma,” the victim testified.

“How did that make you feel?” asked Assistant District Attorney Jackie Knupp.

“Sad, so I didn't tell nobody,” he replied.

He was never restrained by Mulnix and continued to go to work “because I needed the money,” the victim testified on cross-examination by Hauser.

Weaver testified that during a police interview, Mulnix admitted to the sexual relationship and continued it after the victim's grandmother reported to Mulnix that he was mentally challenged.

The victim was evaluated by a psychologist, who determined that he has difficultly “interpreting interpersonal relationships” and is not capable of managing his own financial affairs, Weaver read from a report.

Mulnix faces two counts each of rape of a mentally disabled person, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a mentally disabled person, indecent assault of a person with a mental disability and a single count of terroristic threats.

Formal arraignment is set for Nov. 26.

Renatta Signorini is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-837-5374 or rsignorini@tribweb.com.