Altoona man, 20, accused of having 'sexual relationship' with teen

BLAIR COUNTY, Pa (WJAC) — Authorities in Blair County say a 20-year-old Altoona man is behind bars following an investigation into allegations that he had a "sexual relationship" with a teenage girl.

Police say in January, officers were notified of the alleged relationship between John Lender and a 13-year-old girl.

During the course of the investigation, police say officers discovered various sexual messages between Lender and the victim.

Police say they also reportedly uncovered messages that appeared to indicate that Lender had a prior "sexual relationship" with another known juvenile.

Authorities say that when they questioned Lender, he claimed that he thought the victim was 18.

Police say he also reportedly admitted to engaging in various sexual acts with the victim, over a period of several months.

According to online court records, Lender was arraigned Friday on a variety of charges, including felony corruption of minors and child rape.

He is being held at the Blair County Prison on $150,000 bail.

ncG1vNJzZmivmpawtcKNnKamZ56axLS4xK2rnqpdma6quNhop6ikmZiybq3LraaoppFiuqK6jJqanK2jmrFuv8SxrJqkXaeyra3Toqanq5ievW7AxJ6lZq6ZmMGquYyipa%2Bdo6m2qK3ToqanZZOntq6xjJujmqGiYrCwwc2tsGaolaO7tMXLr5inoZE%3D