ENOLA, Pa. (WHTM) -
Walking into a district court for his preliminary hearing,
Clarence Shaffer didn't want to say much Monday except to mutter a quick
apology, telling a group of reporters, "I'm sorry."
Shaffer, who
was arrested for abducting a Harrisburg Area Community College student at gunpoint and then
sexually assaulting her, waived his right to a preliminary hearing. The
judge also revoked his bail, calling him a "danger" to society.
Three
more assault charges related to the December 3 attack were also filed against him. Aggravated assault without consent, indecent assault without
consent, and indecent assault threat forcible compulsion were the
additional charges listed on court paperwork.
Investigators said
after speaking with the victim and District Attorney Dave Freed, it was
decided that the attack was so violent that the additional charges were
appropriate.
Shaffer had been in and out of state prison in
months leading up to the incident. He was released from the Camp Hill state
prison just four days before the attack. Police say they hope these
charges will be prosecuted to the fullest.
"The court system
could not keep him in jail and as a result of what occurred, hopefully
he will not be out of jail again to do this to another victim," said
Chief Todd Basehore of the East Pennsboro Police Department.
However,
before the case will be scheduled for trial, a new case against
Shaffer has been opened. After waiving his preliminary hearing, Shaffer
was escorted to the East Pennsboro Police Department for
questioning by Steelton Borough police investigators.
Investigators
said Shaffer confessed to an October 21 burglary at the Divine Light
Bookstore in Steelton. The burglary was committed while Shaffer was
briefly out of prison. Police said charges would likely be filed by the
end of this week.
Shaffer is due back in court for a formal arraignment March 28.
