A Fayette County, Pennsylvania man accused of raping two women, ages 66 and 75, declared he’s innocent outside of court Tuesday, claiming he’s gay.
"I'm an innocent gay guy,” Earl Maust, 49, said.
Police said Maust was already awaiting trial for sexually abusing a 66-year-old woman at knifepoint when he was charged with the second crime, in which he allegedly raped a 75-year-old woman 10-15 times over a three-month period.
The 75-year-old testified Tuesday that she allowed Maust to stay with her at her North Union Township home while he got back on his feet, but she said he quickly became physically and verbally abusive. She told investigators that Maust would not let her leave her home, took her keys and raped her 10 to 15 times.
Authorities said earlier this year in April, Maust raped a 66-year-old woman at knifepoint in Hopwood.
Maust said that both women accusing him of rape are lying. Meanwhile, the 75-year-old victim’s neighbors are sickened by the allegations and the abuse she suffered.
“If she took him in, she was doing it out of the kindness of her heart,” the victim’s friend, Earl Bowlen, said.
Maust is facing several felony charges, including rape and unlawful restraint. The judge held all of his charges for trial.
Maust’s defense attorney asked for bail to be lowered, but the judge denied the request.
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